AFL Injury News: Richmond Tigers ruckman ruptures ACL, ruled out for the rest of 2024 

Richmond Tigers ruckman Sam Naismith has been ruled out for the rest of the 2024 AFL season after rupturing his ACL. The 31-year-old sustained the season-ending injury in the Tiger's 110-point loss to Sandringham in the VFL on Sunday, May 19.

The injury occurred during a harmless, no-contact moment in the clash that saw the ruckman go down on the field after knowing the seriousness of his condition. Naismith had to be assisted off the ground by trainers, and fears of another heartbreaking injury loomed.

Scans during the week confirmed a ruptured ACL for the ex-Sydney ruckman who was on a journey of an extraordinary return to footy. This recent injury was the fourth ACL tear of his career.

Naismith underwent three ACL surgeries while playing for the Swans, limiting him to just 30 games in eight years, eventually leading to his delisting in 2022. He joined VFL Power Melbourne in 2023 and was signed by Richmond in 2024 as a backup for captain Toby Nankervis.

Naismith featured in the Tigers' season-opener against Gold Coast and played alongside Nankervis in Rounds 7 and 8. His return to top-flight action showed hope and inspiration to fans and teammates.

However, this recent setback comes as a huge blow, ending a remarkable comeback story and raising doubts about Naismith's future with the club. This injury adds to the woes of the Tigers, who are suffering a bad run of form with only one win from 10 matches.

Richmond Tigers to battle in-form Essendon Bombers in primetime Dreamtime at the 'G clash in Round 11

The Richmond Tigers will face an uphill task on Saturday, May 25, when they battle second-placed Essendon Bombers in their Sir Doug Nicholls Round 11 clash. Both sides will square off at the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the primetime Dreamtime at the 'G.

The Tigers, who have been poor this season, will have to be at their best on the night against a Brad Scott's side who are in top form, and have not lost since Round 5.

Richmond Tigers will head into the tie hoping their superior head-to-head record over Essendon Bombers can spur them to a second win of the season. They have emerged victorious in four of their last five Dreamtime at the 'G outings.