Richmond's injury woes have been compounded further in Sunday's VFL clash with Sandringham, with recruit Sam Naismith suffering a suspected knee injury against the Zebras.
A change in direction for Naismith as he looked to corral his opponent saw the Tigers big man fall to the ground without any contact before holding his leg.
The 31-year-old was assisted by club medical staff before managing to walk from the field at Trevor Barker Beach Oval, however looked saddened by the turn of events.
The incident sparks fears of further serious knee damage to Naismith, who could miss the remainder of the season if diagnosed with an ACL rupture.
Just awful for Richmond's Sam Naismith 💔
He's come from the ground after a non-contact injury to his leg whilst changing direction. pic.twitter.com/q1UWdaOWDs
— 7AFL (@7AFL) May 19, 2024
Naismith has a long history of knee injuries, having required three knee reconstructions across his time on the Sydney Swans' list.
The veteran ruckman was eventually delisted by the Swans after just 30 games in nine years with the club, with Naismith joining VFL club Port Melbourne for the 2023 VFL season.
With the Borough he found form and durability, earning himself a spot on Richmond's list as a supporting ruck to captain Toby Nankervis.
His latest setback adds to Richmond's ongoing injury concerns, with the Tigers having had just five players play all 10 games so far this year.
Richmond is currently without key players Liam Baker, Tim Taranto, Tom Lynch, Jacob Hopper, Dylan Grimes, Maurice Rioli and Jack Graham, among others, through injury.
If Naismith is ruled out for the remainder of the 2024 season, he would join Josh Gibcus and Judson Clarke in not returning to the field this year at Punt Road.
The Tigers are also bracing to be without forward pair Rhyan Mansell and Mykelti Lefau for next week's Dreamtime game with Essendon due to concussion and jaw injuries respectively suffered in Saturday's 119-point loss to Brisbane.
