“Important game”: Yze highlights significance of season-opener

Richmond coach Adem Yze has highlighted the significance of Richmond's Round 1 clash with Carlton for his club.

The Tigers have played the Blues in the fixture every year since 2008, but reports have emerged in recent days that the future of the clash is under threat as soon as next year, due to a cricket test match being played at the MCG just days before Round 1.

“It's a fair start to the season and it's such an important game and exciting game for both clubs,” Yze said at his weekly press conference.

“If players miss out on this game, it stings a bit. The Round 1 game against Carlton is one you really want to play so there's the mindset around that for player but for the club and the comp, to average over 80,000 crowd every year, I think it speaks for itself.”

Yze hinted at how Richmond will use its fifth bench spot in its season-opener against Carlton on Thursday night. 

The change of the 23rd player from a substitute to a fifth man on the bench was an intriguing watch of Opening Round, with Yze open to using it differently going forward, but with a plan for Thursday night. 

“There'll be someone that has lower game time,” Yze said.

“We'll make that decision, I think that might vary each week, whether it is a second ruck and they play lower game time, we'll probably start that way to help (captain Toby Nankervis) out.

“After that, it will be ‘let's see how we're going and the comp is going. We'll get a feel for that in the first month of the season.”

Campbell Grey was utilised as a relieving ruck in the AAMI Community Series, while Samson Ryan is another option to play that role. Grey played three games last year, while Ryan played twice.

Yze also confirmed the debut of exciting first round draft pick Sam Grlj after a fine pre-season off half-back.

Grlj will debut against the club he and his family grew up supporting.

“He gives us something different and has earned the respect of everyone since he's moved into our footy club and we can't wait to see what he brings to the ‘G,” Yze said.

“I think he'll bring a really competitive attitude. He swears at the umpires out here which half the time are coaches so he does get really animated because he wants to win.

“With that he wants the ball in his hand and he wants to defend really hard which is all we can ask as a half-back. 

“He's got some high talent and high speed on offence but at the same time, fight to death is the reason he got in so early.”

An update was also provided on Sam Cumming, who suffered a shoulder injury in the AAMI Community Series.

The club set at the time it would sideline him for at least four weeks before a decision would be made about whether surgery would be required, which would result in a long term stint on the sidelines. 

"He took a couple marks today, and I'd like to see him on the G' soon," Yze said.

"He's tracking really nicely. We've got a plan around that month to really strengthen up (the shoulder), and then we'll make a decision after that. We'll never put him at risk. He's too important for us, but at the same time, if we feel like there's an opportunity we can get some footy into him this year, our medical team will make a measured decision and really smart decision around him.

"It's exciting to see him running around and pain free. He was pretty early, pain free, after he did it, so that's the reason why we're going down this path.