Richmond Boosted: Vlastuin and Prestia Set for Suns Opener

Richmond coach Adem Yze has confirmed that veteran players Nick Vlastuin and Dion Prestia are available for selection for the team's home opener against the Gold Coast Suns this Saturday. This news provides a significant lift for the Tigers as they prepare for their upcoming clash.

Player Status Update

Both Vlastuin and Prestia were unavailable for the Round 1 match against Carlton. Yze indicated that Vlastuin was physically capable of playing last week, but a cautious approach was taken to manage his training load and prepare him for the season.

Prestia was also close to selection for Round 1, but the decision was made to allow for additional training sessions to mitigate risk and ensure his full readiness.

Final Hurdle: Training Session

The players are required to complete Wednesday's main training session without issue to finalize their selection for the upcoming game. Their successful participation in this key session is the last step before their return.

Yze noted that having both leaders on the field would be beneficial for the team.

Performance and Strategic Management

Vlastuin, a strong defender, was part of the All-Australian squad in 2025. His return will bolster Richmond's backline.

Prestia participated in the final 12 games of last season, averaging 23 disposals, his highest since 2022. Yze highlighted the importance of strategically managing Prestia to ensure he has an impactful season and maintains his high performance throughout the campaign.