Hardwick explains Richmond's late sub-call when question is asked over high defender injury
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has explained why tall defender Ben Miller was substituted in the final quarter of the Tigers’ crucial draw with Fremantle. Key points: Tigers defender Ben Miller was medically substituted at the end of the game with Fremantle Reports differ as to why Miller was left out of the game, with Damien Hardwick saying it was a calf injury A player may only be substituted if he is reasonably determined as medically unfit to participate in any match for at least the next 12 days With Richmond leading by one goal after 16 minutes of play in the final quarter, Miller came on to the bench and was medically out of the game for the smaller, faster Maurice Rioli. A minute later, Fremantle equalized through Bailey Banfield’s goal, which led to the first draw of the 2022 AFL season. The substitution raised eyebrows, with Miller not appearing to suffer any visible injury. A medical substitute rule is in place ahead of the 2021 season, with doctors supposed to determine “a