Jack Riewoldt and Mitch McGovern.Credit:Getty Images
Hardwick said of Riewoldt’s injury:“I think Jack might have fractured his thumb. So we’ll have scans to confirm that,that’s why he went off early. He struggled to hold the ball tonight.”
The Richmond coach said he felt for Prestia,the 2019 best and fairest who had endured injuries over the past two years. “It’s a hamstring,how severe we’re not too sure ... it’s just disappointing,he’s had as good a pre-season as he’s had. He’s so important to the way we play. I feel like he’s barely[played] for,you know,two and a half years.
Hardwick said Prestia had 10 touches in the first quarter before he went off. “So he’s a significant loss,big loss.
“I just feel for the kid. He’s just so important to the way we play but the culture of our place as well ... we just want him up and about.”
Hardwick also declared that Carlton’s recruits Adam Cerra and George Hewett could have a similar impact to Richmond’s recruitment of Prestia,Josh Caddy and Toby Nankervis before the 2017 premiership. He had spoken to his wistful new assistant,Carlton’s just removed senior coach David Teague,about the impact of Carlton’s recruits.
“I was speaking to Teaguey about it all. All of a sudden they bring in Cerra. They bring in ... Hewett - you know,incredible athletes,can cover the ground really well. It’s similar to the re-emergence of bringing in Caddy,Prestia and Nankervis,all of a sudden,you bring in a whole new midfield,really.”
Hardwick said there was “no question” Cerra,traded from Fremantle,and ex-Swan midfielder Hewett,could equal the impact of Richmond’s three recruits before 2017.