Richmond’s Sam Lalor will be sidelined after breaking jaw in pre-season clash with West Coast

A push in the back in Perth on Monday has had long-lasting consequences for the AFL’s No.1 draft pick who has picked up a nasty injury.

The AFL’s No.1 draft pick could have his senior debut delayed after Richmond confirmed Sam Lalor would need surgery on a hairline fracture in his jaw suffered in a practice match collision on Monday that also resulted in a concussion.
Lalor went down after being pushed into a marking contest by West Coast’s Reuben Ginbey in Perth during the third quarter of the pre-season clash.

The 18-year-old, who had been a shining light in the match up until that point, kicking two goals while also spending time in the midfield, went into the AFL’s concussion protocols while also having further scans.

Sam Lalor feels the pain of the collision. Picture: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

They confirmed the worst news for Lalor and the Tigers, meaning a spot in Richmond’s round 1 fixture against Carlton at the MCG on March 13 is in doubt given the injury and the training time he will miss.

“Scans have confirmed that Richmond midfielder/forward Sam Lalor has sustained an undisplaced hairline fracture of his jaw following a collision late in yesterday’s match simulation,” a club statement said.

“Lalor will have surgery to aid his recovery, with a timeline of his return to play to be clearer at a later stage. It is still hoped that he will be available for the round 1 game against Carlton on March 13.”

Essendon great Matthew Lloyd called for Ginbey’s actions to be reviewed by the AFL’s match review officer.

“Has to be looked at that incident from Ginbey on Lalor,” Lloyd wrote on X.

“Lalor in such a vulnerable position and the ball player needs to be protected. A form of tunneling (sic).”

There will be no verdicts until next Monday after the first round of practice matches have been completed.

Lalor earnt high praise for his efforts before he was forced from the field from Richmond assistant coach Sam Lonergan

“He was great today,” he said

“He played a little bit in the midfield and spent some time forward, which was fantastic, and contributed in both areas of the ground.”

Originally published as Richmond’s Sam Lalor will be sidelined after breaking jaw in pre-season clash with West Coast