The Richmond Football Club has been dealt a significant setback just weeks into the AFL season, with veteran defender Nick Vlastuin officially ruled out for an extended period following a serious shoulder injury sustained in Saturday night’s match against the Melbourne Demons.
Vlastuin, 30, left the field during the second quarter after a high-impact collision with Demons midfielder Jack Viney. While he initially attempted to play through the discomfort, he was visibly restricted in movement and was subbed out at halftime. Scans conducted Sunday morning confirmed that Vlastuin had suffered a fractured scapula, an injury that club doctors say will sideline him for a minimum of six weeks.
Richmond head coach Andrew McQualter addressed the media on Sunday afternoon, expressing both disappointment and support for one of the team’s most experienced and reliable players.
“Nick is the heart and soul of our backline,” McQualter said. “His leadership, communication, and ability to read the game are second to none. This is obviously a tough blow, not just for Nick personally, but for our entire defensive unit.”
Known for his toughness, consistency, and football IQ, Vlastuin has been a fixture in Richmond’s three premierships over the past decade. His absence creates a major hole in the Tigers’ defense as they continue to rebuild and reestablish themselves among the AFL’s elite.
The timing couldn’t be worse for the Tigers, who are already managing several key injuries, including to midfielder Dion Prestia and ruckman Toby Nankervis. The club has been striving to find rhythm after an inconsistent start to the season, and losing a player of Vlastuin’s caliber only adds to the challenges.
With Vlastuin out, Richmond will now look to younger players and fringe defenders to step into a leadership role in the back six. Emerging talents such as Josh Gibcus and Tylar Young are likely to receive more responsibility, while versatile utility Liam Baker could see an increased role in defense.
Assistant coach Xavier Clarke spoke about the importance of adaptability in the team’s structure going forward.
“This is the nature of the game — injuries happen,” Clarke said. “What we focus on now is who steps in, how we adjust, and how we support Nick during his recovery. We’ve got some young guys who are hungry to prove themselves, and this is their opportunity.”
The Richmond medical team has confirmed that Vlastuin will begin a structured rehabilitation program this week, with the goal of returning to full-contact training within six to eight weeks, depending on how the injury heals. While there is some optimism he could return before the finals push, the club will prioritize a cautious and complete recovery.
A fan favorite, Vlastuin has received an outpouring of support on social media, with messages from both Tigers supporters and rivals wishing him a speedy return. His commitment to the club and no-nonsense playing style have earned him admiration across the league.
“Obviously I’m gutted to be missing time,” Vlastuin said in a brief statement released by the club. “But I’ll be doing everything I can to support the boys from the sidelines and come back better and stronger.”
The Tigers now face a tough month ahead, with fixtures against top-eight contenders including Brisbane, Carlton, and Geelong. How they respond to the absence of one of their key leaders could define their season.
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