By Martin Blake
April 11 200
Richmond full-forward Matthew Richardson is on the verge of making a miraculous recovery from a broken cheekbone in time to play against Fremantle at the MCG on Sunday.
The Tigers last night named Richardson in their squad for Sunday, and coach Danny Frawley insisted that the club's superstar goalkicker had a chance of playing.
The 28-year-old was hurt during the game against Western Bulldogs last Sunday. He had surgery to repair the damage on Tuesday and was ruled out by club spokesmen during the week. But by last night, that had changed. "If I was a betting man, I'd back him to play," said Frawley. "He wants to be given every chance. There's a little bit of swelling still there, but if that comes down, then he's a very good chance. It'll be his decision in the end, but it'd be a phenomenal recovery."
Richardson's ability to play out last week's game drew praise from his captain, Wayne Campbell, this week. Campbell said the full-forward's courage had not been given due attention.
Last night, Frawley said he had been advised that risk of further damage to the injury was not an issue. "The (club) doctor is telling me to pick him in the side and then assess him later and as senior coach, I'm not going to knock that back."
The Tigers have a final training run today where Richardson is expected to make an appearance.
April 11 200
Richmond full-forward Matthew Richardson is on the verge of making a miraculous recovery from a broken cheekbone in time to play against Fremantle at the MCG on Sunday.
The Tigers last night named Richardson in their squad for Sunday, and coach Danny Frawley insisted that the club's superstar goalkicker had a chance of playing.
The 28-year-old was hurt during the game against Western Bulldogs last Sunday. He had surgery to repair the damage on Tuesday and was ruled out by club spokesmen during the week. But by last night, that had changed. "If I was a betting man, I'd back him to play," said Frawley. "He wants to be given every chance. There's a little bit of swelling still there, but if that comes down, then he's a very good chance. It'll be his decision in the end, but it'd be a phenomenal recovery."
Richardson's ability to play out last week's game drew praise from his captain, Wayne Campbell, this week. Campbell said the full-forward's courage had not been given due attention.
Last night, Frawley said he had been advised that risk of further damage to the injury was not an issue. "The (club) doctor is telling me to pick him in the side and then assess him later and as senior coach, I'm not going to knock that back."
The Tigers have a final training run today where Richardson is expected to make an appearance.
