Luckless St Kilda midfielder Nathan Freeman suffers shoulder injury in the VFL

LUCKLESS St Kilda midfielder Nathan Freeman has suffered another injury setback in the VFL, but there’s better news for Richmond and returning premiership star Daniel Rioli.

Nathan Freeman has suffered a shoulder injury in the VFL. Picture: Michael Klein

MUCH like its senior side, Richmond’s second half dominance proved too much for the opposition to handle as it ran away from Sandringham, finishing 14.14 (98) to 4.9 (33) winners.

Fans flocked to Holm Park for the return of Daniel Rioli, who hadn’t played since Richmond’s Grand Final win last season.

While Rioli didn’t have a heap of the ball (three disposals), Tiger fans would have been pleased to see him get through a half of footy.

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“It’s really exciting to have him back and all his best mates are playing with him in the VFL, so I don’t know how long we are going to have him for, but he really enjoyed coming back and playing today,” Richmond coach Craig McRae said.

“He pulled up fine and was all good – he said he wanted to play more minutes but he’s on a restricted program, so we will see what happens from here.”

The news wasn’t as good for luckless St Kilda midfielder Nathan Freeman, who came from the ground in the first quarter and didn’t return for the match.

Daniel Rioli makes his return for Richmond’s VFL team.

The midfielder suffered a shoulder injury following a collision with Steven Morris, with the club unsure of the full extent of the injury at this stage.

Freeman had put two 28 disposal games together since returning from injury and was nearing a senior call-up.

Connor Menadue (24 disposals), Brandon Ellis (23 disposals), Corey Ellis (21 disposals) and Oleg Markov (20 disposals) all staked a claim for a senior call-up with their run and carry catching the eye.

Brandon White was Sandringham’s best, finishing with 35 disposals and ten rebound 50s.

Meanwhile, Essendon defeated Geelong at Windy Hill, running out 13.13 (91) to 12.12 (84) winners.

Nathan Freeman has suffered a shoulder injury in the VFL. Picture: Michael Klein

Mitch Brown enjoyed a strong outing in his second game back from a calf injury, booting three goals.

Casey pumped Frankston 21.13 (139) to 4.9 (33), with Cam Pedersen kicking six and Tom Bugg adding five for the Dees.

Box Hill proved too strong for the struggling Northern Blues, claiming a 14.12 (96) to 8.10 (58) victory.

North Melbourne pulled off a massive win against last year’s premier Port Melbourne, downing the Borough 10.10 (70) to 8.14 (62).

Collingwood outlasted a gritty Coburg with Brayden Sier (35 disposals) and Rupert Wills (32 disposals) helping the Pies to a 10.12 (72) to 7.5 (47) win.

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