Richmond excitement machine Sydney Stack suffers ankle injury in Tigers’ VFL win

He’s been one of the most exciting parts of Richmond’s 2019 resurgence but an injury in the VFL is expected to prematurely end Sydney Stack’s season.

Richmond livewire Sydney Stack’s is set to undergo surgery that is expected to put an end to his hopes of playing finals.

Stack injured his ankle during Saturday’s VFL win and was sent for scans after leaving the ground on crutches.

“It’s not great, he’ll probably need surgery,” Richmond assistant coach Justin Leppitsch said on 3AW.

“Something similar happened to Kane Lambert — he did the same ankle and it’s almost identical to what he did at this time last year.

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“There is a small chance for Sydney to make an impact if he can but given the age and experience of him compared to a Kane Lambert, it’s going to be difficult for him to make an impact this year.”

Lambert underwent surgery in mid-August last year after suffering a partial syndesmosis sprain in his ankle.

He returned in time to play in the first final.

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Sydney Stack is set to undergo surgery on his injured ankle. Picture: Getty

Stack was unlucky to be dropped for Sunday’s top-four clash against West Coast at the MCG after being a revelation for Richmond since being signed as a rookie during the pre-season supplemental signing period.

The 19-year-old had already gathered 15 disposals after spending time in the midfield in the VFL before he went into a contest to bump an Essendon player and his ankle gave way.

“It’s an ankle injury but it’s too early to diagnose the extent of it, whether it’s a syndesmosis I’m not sure,” Tigers VFL coach Craig McRae said.

“But it doesn’t look good, he’s on crutches so I would have thought he’s in doubt for the short term.”

Richmond’s mid-year draft selection Marlion Pickett had his quietest game in yellow and black, playing the bulk of his time in defence.

Callum Coleman-Jones marks at Windy Hill. Pic: Getty Images

Big men Noah Balta and Callum Coleman-Jones combined to dominate around the ground for the Tigers.

Balta finished the game with 18 touches, two goals and 21 hit outs, while Coleman-Jones had 19 touches, a goal and 28 hit outs.

Ball-magnet and Liston Trophy chance Patrick Naish was at his best when the whips were cracking in the last term, and finished with a team-high 26 touches and added a goal.

“We tried to play him in different roles today and we’ve been doing that for about eight weeks now and Naishy is finding different ways to shine,” McRae said.

Richmond won the contest at Windy Hill 13.5 (83) to 11.5 (71).

Originally published as Richmond excitement machine Sydney Stack suffers ankle injury in Tigers’ VFL win