Richmond defender Kaleb Smith has suffered a bone-stress foot injury during pre-season training and is expected to miss the opening rounds of the 2023 season.
Smith, a dashing half-back-flanker hailing from East Fremantle, was selected by Richmond with the No.49 pick at the 2022 National Draft.
In what is unfortunate timing for the young Tiger with official practice games just weeks away, the 18-year-old is estimated to not be back running for at least the next 6-8 weeks, after which point it is expected he will be re-evaluated by Richmond's medical team.
First-year Tiger Kaleb Smith will unfortunately be sidelined for the opening parts of the season.
Smith has some bone stress in his foot. He is currently in a moon boot and will be off-legs for the next 6-8 weeks. pic.twitter.com/rz93NC7wQW
— Richmond FC 🐯 (@Richmond_FC) February 7, 2023
The Tigers are scheduled to open their pre-season with a six-quarter practice match against North Melbourne at the Roos' Arden Street headquarters on Friday, February 24.
Their official practice match will come against Melbourne at Casey Fields on Saturday, March 4.
Richmond will open their 2023 AFL campaign against Carlton at the MCG on Thursday, March 16.
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