<
>

Jacob Hopper hamstrung in latest Richmond injury blow

Richmond expect unlucky midfielder Jacob Hopper to miss up to three AFL matches after his latest injury setback.

Hopper suffered a "mild hamstring strain" during the Tigers' 43-point loss to Melbourne on Wednesday night and was substituted out of the game.

The 27-year-old had felt for his left hamstring earlier but waved away medical staff and played on, only to pull up sore a few minutes later.

Hopper, who had just returned from knee surgery, kicked a water bottle on the bench in frustration, before heading straight down the tunnel.

"We'll just wrap our arms around him," Richmond coach Adem Yze said after the match.

"He's a terrific guy, he's a really strong leader of our footy club.

"If he's going to miss a game or two we'll get behind him, and he's a professional guy that will get himself back as quick as he can."

Hopper has made just three appearances this season after playing 16 of 23 games last year.

He managed just seven games in 2022, his final season at GWS.

Hopper rejoins the likes of Tim Taranto, Tom Lynch, Josh Gibcus, Noah Balta and Dion Prestia on a lengthy Richmond injury list.

The Tigers (1-6) sit 17th on the ladder ahead of home clashes with Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs, followed by a trip to the Gabba to face the Brisbane Lions.