Tigers star dropped for Round 1 in official team announcements

Two-time Richmond premiership player Marlion Pickett has been inexplicably dropped for the Tigers’ season-opener in a team announcement surprise.

Marlion Pickett of the Tigers. Pic: Michael Klein

Tigers star Marlion Pickett has been dropped from Richmond’s team for the season-opener against Carlton on Thursday night.

Pickett, a two-time premiership player, his lost his spot in the Tigers’ best 22 with coach Damien Hardwick giving Josh Caddy and Jake Aarts a return to the side after being emergencies in last year’s premiership victory.

The Tigers confirmed Bachar Houli is also out after failing to prove his fitness while dealing with a calf injury.

Pickett has been listed as an emergency and could still feature as the club’s concussion sub and 23rd player when the teams are confirmed on Thursday night.

He played 19 games for the club last year, including all four finals games, but he’s lost his place after the short pre-season.

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Marlion Pickett.

Carlton, meanwhile, is celebrating the club debut of former Bombers star Adam Saad, who was selected on the halfback line.

Saad will make his club debut alongside former Geelong star Lachie Fogarty with coach David Teague confirming their selection a day ahead of Wednesday’s official team announcement.

Jack Martin has not been selected as a result of a calf issue, the club announced.

RICHMOND v CARLTON

Thursday March 18, 7.25pm at the MCG

Tigers:

B: D.Astbury, D.Grimes, N.Balta

HB: L.Baker, N.Vlastuin, J.Short

C: D.Prestia, T.Cotchin, K.Lambert

HF: J.Aarts, S.Bolton, J.Castagna

F: T.Lynch, D.Martin, J.Riewoldt

FOLL: T.Nankervis, K.McIntosh, J.Caddy

I/C: D.Rioli, N.Broad, J.Graham, S.Edwards

EMG: M.Pickett, W.Martyn, J.Ross, M.Chol

Blues:

B: L.Plowman, L.Jones, T.Williamson

HB: S.Docherty, J.Weitering, A.Saad

C: W.Setterfield, P.Cripps, M.Murphy

HF: L.Fogarty, H.McKay, J.Newnes

F: Z.Fisher, J.Silvagni, M.Gibbons

FOLL: M.Pittonet, P.Dow, S.Walsh

I/C: S.Petrevski-Seton, L.O’Brien, L.Casboult, E.Curnow

EMG: M.Cottrell, O.McDonald, L.Stocker, M.Kennedy