Smooth sailing in Tigers’ scratch match

After a tumultuous AFL off-season, Richmond’s second intra-club game went off without a hitch.

Star signings Dion Prestia, Josh Caddy and Toby Nankervis played in all four quarters of the scratch match at Punt Rd on Thursday, while All-Australian fullback Alex Rance watched on from the sideline.

A Richmond official confirmed there were no fitness issues with Rance.

Piggybacking on his eye-catching performance in Saturday’s first trial, Prestia once again looked a class above, while Caddy crumbed a nice goal before an errant handball lead to a major down the other end.

With the club’s horror 2016 season in the rear-view mirror, Damien Hardwick’s men will have to wait until February 23 to kick off their 2017 campaign against Adelaide at Etihad Stadium, having been gifted an opening-round bye in the AFL’s pre-season competition.

Brandon Ellis, Steven Morris, Bachar Houli, Shane Edwards and Shaun Hampson trained away from the main group, restricted to running laps and riding training bikes.

With Hampson sidelined for the 50-minute hit-out, Nankervis rucked against and alongside rookies Mabior Chol and Ivan Soldo.

Last season’s Jack Dyer medallist Dustin Martin (three goals) showcased his trademark fend early in the first half, busting past two tacklers to set up a Daniel Rioli major.

Jack Riewoldt barely left the forward 50, snagging three goals of his own.

But it was Ben Lennon, who failed to secure a trade last year after a frustrating three-game season, who topped the goal-kicking tally with four.

The Tigers’ season-proper gets underway on March 23 at the MCG against Carlton.

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