Stephenson pushing for selection

By James Matthey

Tigers ruckman Orren Stephenson could be in line to make a rare first team appearance this weekend against the Swans after impressing during Coburg’s win over Werribee in the VFL last weekend.

Stephenson, who played his junior football with Mangoplah-CUE in the Riverina, is coming off some good form in the reserves, consistently winning the ruck battle and giving the Coburg inside midfielders first use of the ball.

With the Swans boasting a host of talls including Kurt Tippett, Mike Pyke and Shane Mumford, Stephenson’s height and physicality could be valuable additions to a Richmond side trying to consolidate their place in the top eight.

Currently in fourth, the Swans are in red hot form and will be looking to extend their winning streak to five when they take to the field on their spiritual home, the SCG.

The Tigers will be looking to notch their third successive win when they travel up to Sydney, and are showing promising signs after a comfortable victory over Fremantle last Sunday.

Stephenson has struggled to command a regular place in Richmond’s senior team this season, playing four games so far, but he performed well when called up recently for their Round 15 clash with North Melbourne after number one ruckman Ivan Maric was ruled out with injury.

Sunday’s match between Richmond and Sydney at the SCG looms as a crucial one for both sides, with four points invaluable at a stage when the race for finals spots is heating up.

Stephenson was drafted by Geelong in 2011 to replace the retiring Brad Ottens, but was de-listed at the end of 2012 before being picked up Richmond in the 2013 Rookie Draft.