Good news for Richmond star

In today’s AFL briefing, there is good news for a Richmond star as the Kangaroos defender is struck down by injury, the Cats are to make round one changes, and updates from the Bulldogs and Demons. Additionally, there are the latest AFLW moves.

Richmond’s talismanic midfielder, Dion Prestia, has escaped serious injury to his pectoral muscle and is now set to play against Carlton in the blockbuster season-opener.

The Tigers are also looking to play a debutant key defender against the Blues. While the Tigers have a long injury list of 12 players, including Prestia, they will at least have a full-strength first-choice midfield available to take on Carlton whose midfield was well beaten by Sydney last weekend.

With injuries to key defenders Robbie Tarrant (hip) and Josh Gibcus (hamstring), the Tigers appear likely to debut mature-aged rookie Tyler Young in front of a crowd of about 90,000 at the MCG.

Coach Damien Hardwick prefers a structure with three tall defenders, but against Carlton, it is even more imperative as the Blues not only have the two elite tall forwards in Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow but will likely play Tom De Koning forward and second ruck to Marc Pittonet.

North Melbourne defender Ben McKay will miss the start of the season after scans revealed bone stress in his right foot.

His absence will be a blow for the Kangaroos as they prepare to play West Coast in the opening round at Marvel Stadium.

McKay, out of contract at the end of 2023, played 15 matches last season and battled for continuity early in his career.

Geelong could launch their premiership defence in the round one blockbuster against Collingwood at the MCG without four premierships 23 in the line-up.

The Cats will be without retired skipper Joel Selwood in their opener.

Jack Henry will also be missing, with a foot injury potentially ruling him out until mid-season; he had surgery on Monday.

He was slated to play forward if Tom Hawkins did not recover from a foot injury to play round one.

Star Melbourne pair Jack Viney and Bayley Fritsch are touched and go to be available for the Demons’ clash with the Western Bulldogs.

The Dogs, contemplating a four-pronged tall timber forward line, also have a key player under an injury cloud in livewire Cody Weightman, battling an adductor injury.

Beaten AFLW grand finalists Brisbane face a nervous wait to learn what compensation they will receive for losing star duo Emily Bates and Greta Bodey to Hawthorn.

The Lions copped the biggest hits during the league’s priority signing period, which concluded on Wednesday when 2021 premiership players Bates and Bodey left for the Hawks.