Richmond have ruled out injured defender Alex Rance ahead of Thursday night’s AFL round-two clash with Carlton.
Tonight’s match is the start of a four day run of blockbuster matches, including the Showdown, Collingwood taking on Sydney, Essendon up against Hawthorn and the Giants a real chance to notch two in a row whenh they play St Kilda.
Rance, who has a foot problem, was sixth in last year’s club best-and-fairest award.
Carlton also have an injury concern, with ruck/forward Matt Kreuzer failing to train at full pace on Wednesday.
The Blues have named ruck/forward Sam Rowe as an emergency.
Dylan Grimes comes into the Richmond side for the MCG game, while small forward Jake King has been recalled for Matt McDonough, who has been dropped.
Club champion Daniel Jackson has failed to prove his fitness for a second successive week as he recovers from a hamstring injury.
Carlton have named Kane Lucas and Simon White to replace Andrew McInnes and suspended defender Andrew Walker.
Richmond and Carlton were both losers in round one.
Tigers pair Reece Conca and Brandon Ellis, who were publicly criticised by coach Damien Hardwick after last week’s loss to Gold Coast, have kept their places in the side.
Thursday’s clash is a re-match of last year’s elimination final, which Carlton won in an upset.
Round two
Friday
Essendon v Hawthorn 7:20PM
Saturday
St Kilda v GWS Giants 1:10PM Port Adelaide v Adelaide Crows 4:15PM Fremantle v Gold Coast Suns 4:10PM
Sydney Swans v Collingwood 7:10PM
Sunday
Brisbane Lions v Geelong Cats 12:40PM
