Richmond has named Dustin Martin and Tom Lynch for Saturday afternoon’s highly-anticipated clash against Hawthorn.
Richmond will be boosted by the return of star pair Dustin Martin and Tom Lynch for this weekend’s blockbuster clash against Hawthorn at the MCG.
Martin and Lynch return for what will be Martin’s 300th AFL game, with a huge crowd expected.
SCROLL DOWN FOR THE FULL RICHMOND ROUND 14 TEAM >>
The triple Norm Smith medallist returns from being managed last week in strong form, having booted multiple goals in his previous two matches.
Richmond coach Adem Yze said Martin was ‘up and about’ ahead of his milestone game.
“We are looking forward to it; it is obviously a massive game for him… but it has been good,” Yze said.
“His whole focus will be around performance on Saturday afternoon and trying to get a win for the Tiger Army, and we will be trying to do the same for him.”
AUCTION Bid now on the match-used auctions for Dusty’s 300th
The clash will be Lynch’s first since he injured his hamstring against Sydney in Round 3, a match where he booted three goals as the Tigers defeated the Swans.
Yze added that Lynch was ready to return after the long injury lay-off.
“He (has) had a great block of work. He was putting his hand up to play last week. We held that back, so he is ready to go,” he said.
“He has pushed to play because he is ready. As I said, he was ready last week as well. We wouldn’t push him any earlier.
“We’ve got a bye coming up after this game, so if there was any risk around playing Tom Lynch, we wouldn’t do that.”
Dion Prestia (calf) and Samson Ryan (ankle) will make way for the star pair. Ryan is expected to recover in time for the Club’s first game after the bye.
Saturday’s clash begins at 4.35 pm and can be viewed live on Fox Footy and Kayo Sports.