Richmond captain Trent Cotchin is out of tonight’s blockbuster season-opener against Carlton.
UPDATE
The Tigers have confirmed that the three-time premiership skipper will miss the clash with the Blues due to illness.
Jack Ross is expected to replace Cotchin in the 22, with Marlion Pickett likely to be the medical sub.
EARLIER
Cotchin has been struck down by a bout of gastro and didn’t train with teammates during a light session yesterday.
Richmond has had a charmed run on the injury front, with only veteran defender Bachar Houli and long-term absentee Ivan Soldo unavailable as they begin their quest for a fourth flag in five years.
Carlton will tonight attempt to end a seven-game Round 1 losing streak against Richmond without Zac Williams, Jack Martin, Eddie Betts, Mitch McGovern, Caleb Marchbank, Tom De Koning, Nic Newman and Charlie Curnow.