• Was injured in pre-season hitout against West Coast 
  • Was left prone on the ground for several minutes 
  • Club is still hopeful he can debut in round one 

By SHAYNE HOPE FOR AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: 05:42 GMT, 17 February 2025 | Updated: 05:42 GMT, 17 February 2025

Richmond’s No.1 draft pick Sam Lalor has entered concussion protocols 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 pushed into Eagles trialist James Van Es in a marking contest at Mineral Resources Park on Monday.

The 18-year-old was assessed by medical staff as he lay on the ground for around a minute before walking off the field.

Lalor, who kicked two goals as a shining light for the Tigers, was tested for concussion immediately after the match.

‘He’s got a bit of a sore jaw at the moment, so he’s currently in concussion protocols,’ Richmond head of development Sam 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.

Richmond are hopeful of unleashing No 1 draft pick Sam Lalor when round one kicks off

The star recruit fell awkwardly in a collision and hurt his head and neck during a practice match

The star recruit fell awkwardly in a collision and hurt his head and neck during a practice match

Lalor was able to leave the field on his own feet, but will enter AFL concussion protocols

Lalor was able to leave the field on his own feet, but will enter AFL concussion protocols

‘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.’

Despite Lalor’s head knock, Lonergan said the young gun was likely to make his debut when Richmond take on Carlton in round one.

Earlier on Monday, Lalor kicked the Tigers’ first goal with a set shot in an even first period of three.

But it was all West Coast after that, as Tyler Brockman snared 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 ex 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.

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Richmond suffer huge blow as No 1 draft pick Sam Lalor goes down in sickening collision

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