MELBOURNE forward Jeff Garlett’s bid to revive his AFL career has hit an early hurdle, suffering a dislocated shoulder in a 12-point pre-season loss to Richmond.
Garlett was hurt in the third term of the Tigers’ 16.17 (113) to 16.5 (101) win in Sunday’s trial game at Shepparton.
The 29-year-old, who fell out of selection favour last season when he played only 11 games, didn’t return after his right shoulder popped out when attempting a spoil.
Garlett’s injury came as Richmond motored to victory after a sluggish start, with Dustin Martin in fine touch with 21 disposals and two goals.
Tigers ruckman Toby Nankervis kicked three goals, while Noah Balta and spearhead Jack Riewoldt both booted two.
Tiger Bachar Houli was superb with 35 disposals and teammates Jayden Short (29 touches), Nathan Broad (23 disposals) and Kane Lambert (20 possessions) were prolific ball-winners.
Melbourne streeted to a 28-point lead in a dominant first quarter when they kicked seven of the initial nine goals.
But the Dees managed only two goals in the second stanza when Richmond clicked into gear.
Richmond’s midfielders gained control as Balta had a purple patch, with the Tigers slotting five goals to draw level at halftime, 8.8 to 9.2.
The Tigers’ dominance continued in the third quarter, adding another five goals to Melbourne’s two to emphatically seize control before the Demons finished with a late flurry to reduce the final margin.
Melbourne midfielder Clayton Oliver (32 disposals and a goal) and Angus Brayshaw (37 touches) were standouts, along with Christian Salem (27 possessions) and Bayley Fritsch (26 disposals).
A trio of Melbourne players – Tom McDonald, Sam Weideman and Joel Smith – kicked two goals each.
© AAP 2019
RICHMOND 3.4 8.8 13.15 16.17 (113)
MELBOURNE 7.2 9.2 11.3 16.5 (101)
Goals: Richmond: T Nankervis 3 D Martin 2 J Riewoldt 2 L Baker 2 N Balta 2 B Ellis D Rioli J Higgins J Short M Weller. Melbourne: J Smith 2 S Weideman 2 T McDonald 2 A Neal-Bullen B Fritsch B Stretch C Maynard C Oliver C Petracca C Wagner J Garlett J Harmes J Kennedy-Harris.
Umpires: Matt Stevic, Sam Hay, Alex Whetton.
Official Crowd: 5,190 at Deakin Reserve.
