Richmond to throw Josh Caddy into the midfield to ignite his season

RICHMOND recruit Josh Caddy has been unable to replicate an impressive pre-season but coach Damien Hardwick admits he’s been played out of position.

There is more injury bad luck for Reece Conca. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

RICHMOND could thrust Josh Caddy into the midfield on Saturday night to muscle up around the stoppages against a ferocious Western Bulldogs.

Caddy has been unable to replicate an impressive pre-season when it matters, but Tigers coach Damien Hardwick admitted to playing the midfield bull out of position.

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The rugged 24-year-old was lured to Punt Rd from Geelong on a promise of more midfield minutes, but the need for contests up forward forced the change of heart.

“He’s been OK. He could play better, there is no doubt about that,” Hardwick said.

“We probably haven’t settled him in a position — and we probably ask him to play a role that is a little bit outside the scope that we got him here for.

“He hasn’t played as much centre bounce as probably he or I would like (and) that’s because we’ve needed him in other positions.

“Once we settle him down ... I think he will be a lot more influential in and around the contest.”

Josh Caddy hasn’t been able to replicate his pre-season form. Picture Sarah Reed

The Tigers will decide whether Ivan Maric or cousin Ivan Soldo will be replacing suspended ruckman Toby Nankervis, while Reece Conca (foot) is set to miss at least three weeks with a Lisfranc injury.

Luckless Conca had played every game this season after managing just nine appearances in the past two years wrecked by injury and poor form.

“When we get really excited about his (Conca) progress unfortunately something happens,” Hardwick said.

“We’re really pleased with the season he has put out thus far, and he’ll work his way back into the side. His luck’s got to turn and we’re hoping this will be the back of it.”

The Tigers were “belted” at stoppages last week and Hardwick expects a response on Saturday night against the premiers, who thrive on a combative style.

The Bulldogs, who bit back last week after an inconsistent start to the season to push GWS Giants, have won the past three against Richmond in close games.

“It’s always a tough contest with the way they play the game, their contested ball numbers are high, their handball numbers are high,” Hardwick said.

“It’s just a matter of who can control the contest inside and out, that’s probably going to win the game. Who takes those turnover chances and is clean offensively to get the score on the board.”