Sam Lalor, Richmond's number one draft pick, concussed in AFL preseason match against West Coast

Richmond's top draft pick, Sam Lual, was forced off the field late in an Australian Football League pre-season match against the West Coast Eagles after a heavy collision. This incident casts a shadow over the young player's career and raises concerns among fans and the team. The team hopes he will recover quickly and return to the field stronger than ever.

During a contest for possession, Lual appeared to hit his head and neck when he was pushed towards Eagles' trialist, Sandi Brock. Medical staff immediately assessed the 18-year-old, who lay on the ground for about a minute before walking off the field. The specific details of the collision and the potential impact on Lual are being further evaluated, with the team prioritizing his health and well-being.

Richmond has confirmed post-match that Lual has been placed under concussion protocols and will miss the club's next pre-season match against Collingwood next Wednesday. This decision by the team is aimed at ensuring Lual's health and safety and follows the league's concussion management guidelines, reflecting a commitment to player welfare.

Richmond development manager Sam Lonergan stated that Lual will be closely monitored in the coming days. "He's just got a bit of a sore jaw at the moment, so he's just going through the concussion (testing) protocols," Lonergan said in an interview. "We'll wait and see how that pans out and hopefully know sooner rather than later in the next 24 hours." He also added, "He was terrific today. He played a bit in the midfield and spent some time forward, which was great and contributed in both areas of the ground."

Earlier, Lual kicked the Tigers' first goal via a set shot in the three-quarter match held at Mineral Resources Park in Perth on Monday. But it was all West Coast Eagles from then on, with Tyler Brockman bagging three goals as the home side cruised to a 10.2 (62) to 4.2 (26) victory. Tyrell Dewar almost took a screamer, standing on an opponent's shoulders, and provided a highlight with a brilliant goal from 50 meters out. Former Carlton forward Matt Owies kicked his first goal for the West Coast Eagles, while former Tigers Jack Graham and Liam Baker also made their Eagles debuts. West Coast Eagles captain Oscar Allen kicked two goals, as did Richmond's Lual.