Richmond has made three changes for Sunday’s match against Carlton at the MCG, with Jacob Hopper, Jacob Blight, and Sam Banks joining the Round 16 lineup.
**FULL RICHMOND ROUND 16 TEAM BELOW**
**Team Selection: Round 16**
Check out who has been selected for the Round 16 clash against Carlton.
Announced Thursday, mid-season draftee Blight will make his AFL debut against the Blues, just 32 days after joining the Tigers.
**Mid-Season Draftee to Debut!**
Adem Yze shares exciting news for one young Tiger!
Standing at 196cm, Blight is an intercepting defender who has excelled at the VFL level since his arrival. The 22-year-old, wearing No. 51, has averaged 18.6 disposals, 7.6 marks, and 5.6 inside-50s across three games, earning coaches’ votes in two of them.
“He’s in good form… we feel like he’ll impact at AFL level, which is impressive for someone who joined us three weeks ago,” Richmond coach Adem Yze said Thursday morning.
“He’s driven and strong at 21… we hoped he’d make an immediate impact.”
**’It’s pretty crazy’ – Blight**
Jacob Blight shares the news of his AFL debut with his family for the weekend game against Carlton.
Adding to the midfield, experienced Tiger Jacob Hopper returns after a hamstring injury on Anzac Day Eve, missing six games. Young wingman Sam Banks is also back for his seventh senior appearance this season. The 21-year-old had 20 disposals, nine marks, seven-rebound 50s, and five inside 50s in the recent VFL match.
The three newcomers replace Tom Lynch, out for at least two weeks due to a hamstring strain, and the omitted Thomson Dow and Noah Cumberland.
**’Looking forward to a big game in front of our Tiger Army’ – Yze**
Adem Yze speaks about the upcoming Sunday match at the MCG against Carlton.
Yze mentioned the Tigers feel “nice and fresh” post-bye week.
“The boys had some days off early last week, and had a great session on Saturday,” he said.
“We’re excited for a big game in front of our Tiger Army against the Blues. We’re facing a quality team in good form, and our players are eager to show what we’ve been training for.”
With a big rival and crowd expected, the match should be a highlight.
Tigers captain Toby Nankervis will celebrate his 150th AFL game on Sunday.
The Round 16 clash starts at 3.20 pm and can be viewed live on Channel 7, Fox Footy, and Kayo Sports.
