When Hardwick was informed it was discussed on broadcaster Fox Footy’s coverage, which included AFL greats Nathan Buckley and Jason Dunstall, he was scathing with his reply.

“It’s raised on the broadcast, is it? I’ve listened to the broadcast recently; they’re not great,” he said.

“Being tough in the contest? I wouldn’t have thought [a suspension is warranted].”

In other MRO news, Port Adelaide ruckman Scott Lycett can accept a $2000 sanction with an early guilty plea on his rough conduct charge, while young Crow Jake Soligo faces a $1500 fine for touching a goal umpire as he celebrated a goal.

The Tigers will confirm Lynch’s injury prognosis once he undergoes surgery, but he is highly unlikely to be available in the short term.

The 30-year-old suffered the fracture in the second quarter of Saturday’s five-point loss to the Bulldogs, and managed only two disposals in the second half after briefly leaving the ground.

Richmond left Jack Riewoldt out of their round-three side as part of the club’s management program for their veterans, but he is certain to return for Friday night’s clash with the Swans.

Riewoldt kicked five goals in the first three rounds, but has not made his usual impact. He will carry a much greater load in Lynch’s injury absence, which could last for about six weeks.

Richmond have also given more playing opportunities to developing tall Samson Ryan this season, given Riewoldt could be playing his final AFL season.

The Sydney match is an early must-win for the Tigers, who have only one victory and a draw through the opening month of the year.

Hawk Day commits to four more years with Hawthorn

Marc McGowan

Emerging Hawthorn star Will Day has rejected the lure of a return home to South Australia to re-commit for four more years at the Hawks.

Day’s signature continues the club’s re-signing spree, with the likes of Mitch Lewis (2026), Dylan Moore (2026), Jai Newcombe (2026), Ned Reeves (2026) and James Sicily (2027) inking long-term deals since May last year.

Connor Macdonald also signed a new two-year deal in the past fortnight.

“I’m stoked to just get it done and can focus on footy now and keep moving forward with the group we’ve got, and we’re all really excited,” Day said.

“As the years have gone by, since being here, I feel really comfortable in Melbourne.

“Hawthorn have made me feel really welcome and although there was a bit of interest, I love the club – everyone at the club – so it was a pretty easy decision in the end.”

Day has gone to a new level this season since becoming a full-time on-baller, averaging 26 disposals, five inside-50s and four clearances in the first three rounds, including a best-on-ground performance in the Hawks’ defeat of North Melbourne last week.

After consecutive hidings to start the year, the victory over the Kangaroos came as a relief to the 21-year-old, the No.13 pick in the 2019 draft.

“We know where we’re at [being a young list], but still, that’s no excuse,” Day said.

“We still needed to play better in the first two rounds, which was really nice to get the win in round three and gives us a bit of a reward for effort.

“So, although we are young, we’re not using that as an excuse. We want to fast-track our development as much as possible and get to where we want to go as quickly as possible.”

Hawthorn can level their win-loss ledger on Easter Monday if they can extend reigning premiers Geelong’s shock winless run.

“They’ve had a bit of a tough start to the year as well, so we know they’re going to come out [strongly],” Day said.

“They’ve won the flag last year, so although they’re sitting on the bottom of the ladder, we don’t take that into play at all. We’re going to have to bring our best, and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Hinkley lauds Finlayson’s courage

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has sung the praises of Jeremy Finlayson, who put aside the serious health concerns of his wife Kellie to play a pivotal role in a thrilling two-point victory over Sydney.

The Power’s tall forward booted the final goal of the game on Saturday to give his side the lead with less than two minutes remaining, but had to watch on as Swans midfielder Ollie Florent then fell short with a last-gasp set shot on the siren.

Finlayson ended with a game-high three goals as the Power overran the injury-hit Swans to snatch a two-point victory at the SCG.

The 27-year-old Finlayson was one of the most influential players on the ground despite his wife Kellie battling terminal lung cancer.

“He’s got a really tight, really, incredibly close family, and he’s got a really close family at our footy club as well,” Hinkley said.

“His family and our family join together, and we support their family and he supports us, and that’s how you get through.

“That’s why footy clubs are great environments when things are not going your way.”

Finlayson joined the Power from GWS in a trade at the end of 2021 for a future third-round pick.

The versatile forward-ruck had made his way through the Giants academy and played 66 games for the club but requested a move to South Australia for family reasons.

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Kellie was diagnosed with lung cancer just months after finishing treatment for bowel cancer, which had emerged soon after the birth of their daughter Sophia in 2021.

“Jeremy has been a really important part of our footy club for over a year now and he’s really fitted in well,” Hinkley said.

“He’s obviously got some other stuff that goes on off the field which are incredible struggles for him and Kel.

“We’re there to support him in that, but he’s doing his best to support us, everything he possibly can.

“He’s had surgery this year already, he’s had a few things that are pretty tough for him to handle.

“I didn’t mind who kicked it, I’m just grateful that we kicked it, but I’m equally pleased it was Jeremy.”

Finlayson fought back tears while talking to Channel Seven moments after the final siren.

“I hope she’s watching. I love her so much,” Finlayson said. “This is just a reward of sticking tough, and doing it for Kel and Soph back home.

“I’m just happy to be out here playing footy and doing what I love.”

AAP

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