When Richmond dynamo Sam Lalor announced himself to the footy world last year, Jagga Smith had to watch from the sidelines.
Now, former No. 3 draft pick Carlton Smith can finally come face-to-face with Lalor, the man he picked two picks ahead of at the end of 2024.
And none of their coaches can wait to see who will come out on top.
Sam Lalor of The Tigers in the process of preparing for the new season.Balance: AFL Pictures
Smith, 20, missed all of his first season after tearing his ACL last February but made 27 disposals despite losing to Carlton and Sydney in round one.
Lalor, 19, scored two goals from 18 goals as Richmond stunned Carlton in round one last year and showed the vision of a forward who could be in 11 games before hamstring injuries spoil his 2025.
“It’s really exciting for Jagga – I’ve known Jagga for a long time, and of course you hate to see young kids get injured,” Richmond coach Adem Yze said.
“Obviously you feel for them when they’re not playing, but when you get the chance to see them fight, it’s going to be great fun for both clubs.
“… He (Smith) is obviously going to be a threat that we have to worry about.”
Yze hinted Lalor would spend more time through midfield after hitting rock bottom last season, likely in a 60-40 forward midfield split.
The big, powerful Lalor and the small, smooth-moving Smith are more likely to clash in the middle.
“I don’t think I want Jagga as a full-back,” Blues coach Michael Voss said.
“Through the middle, I hope we’ll see it. They’re all talented young men.
“You have to interpret all the evidence through the draft, they are both very different players: one is more power oriented, and then there is Jagga who we felt was our player.
“I’m sure Richmond hasn’t given up either. I’m sure they’ll cross paths, obviously we hope we win.”
The game is expected to attract many fans, despite the fact that no team played in the final last year.
Yze wouldn’t want to ask any questions about whether Carlton and Richmond deserved to open the season.
“It’s an important game and an exciting game for both clubs,” he said.
“Even talking to the players who are missing today, the first round game against Carlton is a game you really want to play.
“So obviously there’s thought about that for the players, but for our club and for their club and for the comp, with an average crowd of 80,000 every year over the years we’ve done it, I think it speaks for itself.”
AAP
