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Promising striker Mykelti Lefau got up of Richmond the fifth casualty of the dreaded ACL injury this season.
The 25-year-old rugby league convert will miss the remainder of his debut AFL campaign after landing awkwardly when flying for a mark in the final quarter of the Tigers’ 30-point loss to Geelong on Saturday night.
WATCH ABOVE VIDEO: Richmond confirm ACL injury to Mykelti Lefau.
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Lefau, who was enlivened with two goals against the Cats, has been a bright light in a difficult season for Richmond, kicking 14 big games in 10 games.
A scan on Sunday confirmed the Tigers’ worst fears for Lefau, who previously tore the ACL in the opposite (left) leg in 2022 when he was playing VFL.
“Football can be a cruel game at times and for Mickelty, who has been in great form, it’s an unfortunate way to end his debut season,” Richmond football performance manager Tim Livingston said.
“Mikelti has not put a foot wrong since joining our AFL program in pre-season and we know he will attack his rehabilitation with the same professionalism and energy that has kept him so strong this season.
“We will support him every step of the way and help him get back into the game and continue his promising career in 2025.”
Double premiership utility Marlion Pickett also suffered a calf injury and was ruled out of the game in the final quarter. As he left the field, Pickett raised his middle finger to a section of the crowd.
Coach Aem Ize was unaware of the incident but said he would speak to Pickett after watching the tape.
“If he does, that would be disappointing. We’ll talk for sure. I can’t do that, he said.
In his rookie season, after following three-time Premiership coach Damien Hardwick to Richmond, Ize endured a torturous spell with injuries to his players.
LeFau and Pickett join the likes of Tom Lynch (hamstring), Tim Taranto (wrist), Jacob Hopper (hamstring), Jack Ross (foot), Maurice Rioli Jr. (ankle) and Dylan Grimes on the sidelines.
Like LeFau, Tyler Young, Sam Naismith, Josh Gibkus and Judson Clark were ruled out for the season with serious knee injuries.
“We still have some young players getting some opportunities as we go through this, so we’ll always look at the silver lining,” Yze said.
Superstar Dustin Martin looks set to be rested for Richmond’s trip to Adelaide Oval on Thursday night to face the Crows.
Martin is one game away from becoming the seventh Richmond player to reach 300 games.
Triple medalist Norm Smith will almost certainly deliver the milestone next week at the MCG against Hawthorn.
“It won’t be around that (the milestone), but because we’re going on a five-day break,” Yze said.
“We’ll probably have three or four players in that category based on their age and workload who might be a high risk to play against Adelaide no matter what.
“We’re talking about performance.
“He will want to play but if it means the risk is too high based on five days rest and travel; we will make that decision later in the week.”
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