Richmond’s number one draft pick Sam Lalor has been forced off the field after a nasty collision in the dying stages of the AFL pre-season hit-out against West Coast.
Lalor appeared to hit his head and neck when he was pushed into Eagles trialist Sandy Brock in a marking contest.
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The 18-year-old was assessed by medical staff as he lay on the ground for about one minute before walking off the field.
The Tigers confirmed after the match Lalor had been placed in concussion protocols and would miss the club’s next preseason match against Collingwood next Wednesday.
Richmond head of development Sam Lonergan said Lalor would be observed over the coming days.
“He’s got a bit of a sore jaw at the moment, so he’s currently in concussion (testing) protocols,” Lonergan told reporters.
“We’ll just wait and see what that looks like and then hopefully find out pretty quickly over the next 24 hours.
“He was great today. He played a little bit in the midfield and spent some time forward, which was fantastic, and contributed in both areas of the ground.”
Earlier, Lalor kicked the Tigers’ first goal with a set shot in an even first period of three played at Mineral Resources Park in Perth on Monday.
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But it was all West Coast after that as Tyler Brockman booted three majors in a comfortable 10.2 (62) to 4.2 (26) victory for the home side.
Tyrell Dewar almost pulled in a spectacular mark on an opponent’s shoulders and provided a highlight with a superb goal on the run from 50 metres.
Former Carlton forward Matt Owies kicked his first goal for West Coast, while former Tigers Jack Graham and Liam Baker also lined up in Eagles colours for the first time.
West Coast captain Oscar Allen finished with two goals, as did Lalor for Richmond.
In the afternoon match, Geelong got the better of Hawthorn in a 20-point win at Kardinia Park which saw star recruit Bailey Smith make a positive start to life as a Cat.
Smith was busy as Geelong got the jump, before Hawthorn reeled it back in and took a lead in the third quarter.
But inspired by an incredible Ollie Henry goal, one of four from his boot on the day, Geelong regained control and ran out a comfortable winner.
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AAP/ABC
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