Sam Lalor: Richmond No.1 pick’s injury revealed as fractured jaw as West Coast’s Reuben Ginbey awaits fate
Richmond have confirmed No.1 pick Sam Lalor suffered a broken jaw to go with a concussion following a nasty collision against West Coast, adding to calls for Reuben Ginbey to face Match Review scrutiny.
Lalor was pushed into a marking contest by Ginbey with a minute to go in the Tigers’ pre-season match simulation clash with the Eagles at Mineral Resources Park in Perth on Monday.
The 18-year-old’s head and neck then collided with West Coast train on Sandy Brock’s hip, with the incident drawing a free kick.
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The first overall selection in last year’s draft did not take the kick and was instead assisted from the ground clutching his jaw.
Richmond confirmed late on Monday that Lalor had suffered a concussion as a result of the collision, but scans have now revealed an “undisplaced hairline fracture of his jaw”.
“Lalor will have surgery to aid his recovery, with a timeline of his return to play to be clearer at a later stage,” a club statement read.
“It is still hoped that he will be available for the Round 1 game against Carlton on March 13.”
It’s understood to be a minor crack, with the Tigers to monitor Lalor’s progress before making a decision on his availability for their season-opener.
Ginbey is set to come under scrutiny for the collision, with Essendon great Matthew Lloyd calling for the incident to be reviewed by the AFL’s Match Review Officer.
“Has to be looked at that incident from Ginbey on Lalor,” Lloyd wrote on X.
“Lalor (was) in such a vulnerable position and the ball player needs to be protected. A form of tunnelling (sic).”
Collingwood great and former coach Nathan Buckley said he couldn’t see how the MRO could suspend Ginbey for the incident, given the shove itself was not a reportable offence.
“I can’t see how any legislation could hold Ginbey to account in that action or responsible for that concussion,” Buckley told SEN.
An MRO verdict won’t come until Monday, when the first round of practice matches have been completed.
Lalor was already ruled out of Richmond’s pre-season clash with Collingwood at Ikon Park due to concussion protocols, while the Tigers will host Carlton at the MCG to open their season.
The powerful midfielder-forward was a shining light in the club’s 36-point loss to the Eagles, kicking two goals in a promising performance in his first competitive hit-out.
