Callum Coleman-Jones is pushing for senior selection at Richmond, according to VFL playing coach Steve Morris.
The 21-year-old ruck/forward was again in great form at state league level last weekend as the Tigers crushed Brisbane by 62 points at the Gabba.
Coleman-Jones finished with four goals (four behinds), 21 disposals, 15 hit-outs, 11 marks and five tackles in another performance worthy of a call-up.
“‘CJ’ is playing at a level above at the moment,” Morris told Richmond’s official website.
“He continues to focus on what he can control and is banging the door down for senior selection.
“His hands were again sensational on the weekend and if it weren’t for some missed opportunities in front of the big sticks, he would have finished with an even bigger bag.”
Marlion Pickett, who has pinch-hit in the ruck in recent weeks, is set to miss Sunday’s meeting with Adelaide due to suspension, opening the door for Coleman-Jones to play his second AFL game. He debuted in Round 10, 2019.
The former no.20 draft pick has kicked 13 goals in five matches so far this season while averaging 18 disposals, 17 hit-outs and eight marks.
Another fringe Tiger who has placed his name in front of Damien Hardwick is two-time premiership player Josh Caddy, who has amassed 70 disposals and four goals over the past two weekends.
Other VFL Tigers in the mix for senior selection include Will Martyn (30 disposals, nine tackles), Samson Ryan (four goals), Mabior Chol (three goals, 22 touches) and Thomson Dow (23 possessions, five clearances).
There is a further spot up for grabs with Patrick Naish set for 1-3 weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring issue.
Captain Trent Cotchin (hamstring) and fellow gun midfielders Dion Prestia (calf) and Shai Bolton (wrist) are all pushing to return provided they get through two remaining training sessions this week.
Shane Edwards (ankle) and Kane Lambert (calf) remain unavailable.
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