Just ten weeks after a brain infection left Osca Riccardi on life support, the former Geelong rookie will make his return to the football field.
Riccardi has been named in the Bell Park team for its clash with Lara at Bisinella Oval in what will be his first game since the Dragons’ loss to St Joseph’s on May 11 after being given the all-clear by doctors late last month to return.
Coach James Saker says Bell Park is rapt to have the VFL-listed Cat back in action.
“I spoke to him pretty early on in the piece, and I think it was pretty well documented he was pretty keen to just get back to some sort of physical ability to play the game,” Saker said.
“He’s come along really strongly since that moment, put a big block of training together, and he’s ready to go, which is bloody exciting.”
Saker is planning to use Riccardi, who remains to chance for qualify for finals if Bell Park makes it, as part of the Dragons’ wing rotation.
“Just get him up and down the ground; that’s one of his big strengths,” Saker said.
“And his ball use for us when we played earlier was really good.
“So, hopefully, he can just get back to the flow of getting up and down the wing, a bit of body contact, and get on the end of a couple for us.”
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Riccardi is one of three inclusions for Bell Park.
After getting through the reserves clash with North Shore before the bye, Jack McMahon will play his first senior game since Round 9, while Rhys McWaters has earned a recall.
Tyler Pidgeon (illness), Riley Hanrahan (ankle), and Jack Purcell go out of the team that defeated the Seagulls a fortnight ago.
Kaelen Bradkte, Hamish Lucas and Jack Sarcevic will feature in Geelong’s VFL clash with Carlton tomorrow.
Mitch Mahady, Jackson Gorman and Zac Mirkovic have been named in the reserve grade meeting with the Cats.
“There’s good competition for spots coming up,” Saker said.
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