Both teams used the new medical sub rule in the AFL opener and the coaches gave it a tick

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick says the contentious medical sub rule is a positive development for the game despite its last minute introduction after using it in the AFL season-opener on Thursday night.

The Tigers and Carlton were the guinea pigs for the rule change on Thursday night, with both clubs needing to implement theirs as Nick Vlastuin (knee) and Jack Silvagni (shoulder) respectively failed to see out the game.

Vlastuin will have scans on Friday, while Silvagni is facing a long stint on the sidelines, as the two teams used their subs for varying levels of injury.

Oscar McDonald replaced the Silvagni at half-time for the Blues, kicking a goal with his first touch and finishing with two majors. Tigers youngster Jack Ross had eight disposals in just over a quarter when he came on for Vlastuin.

Hardwick said there was “no doubt” both substitutes made a significant difference to the contest but that the rule also served its purpose in a tough first game for the year.

“From our point of view it was fine,” Hardwick said following his team’s 25-point victory at the MCG.

“You look at the game, 75 rotations, it was tough – the players were going down like ninepins, I think Shai [Bolton] had a full body cramp halfway through that last quarter.

“I know people will jump up and down about it but I always think the more players that play the game, it’s a positive from my point of view. You’ve got limited rotations so one more player on the ground is not going to make a big difference.

“I’m all for the growth of the game. If it’s going to make it better, let’s do it. I can’t see the down side to it.

“The health and safety of players is paramount and if you’ve got fresh players there, you shouldn’t lose a game with an injured player.”

First one of 2021 ?? #ProudToBepic.twitter.com/0Es4hlh4gT

Hardwick wasn’t sure if Vlastuin or Bachar Houli (calf), who sat out the clash with the Blues, would be fit to take on Hawthorn next week.

But he was adamant captain Trent Cotchin would be OK after being a late withdrawal for round one due to a bout of gastro.

Carlton were gallant in defeat without Charlie Curnow (knee), Zac Williams (suspension), Jack Martin (calf), Caleb Marchbank (calf), Eddie Betts (calf), Nic Newman (knee) and Mitch McGovern (hamstring), but coach David Teague viewed the result as a lost opportunity.

“We put 22 guys out there that we knew could compete and were really fit,” Teague said.

“I had a lot of confidence in the guys that ran out today to go out and get the job done and we believe that we had the team to win the game tonight and we gave ourselves a chance, we just didn’t make the most of some opportunities.”

Silvagni looks set for a lengthy stint on the sidelines with what looked like a shoulder dislocation, but in positive news for the Blues, Williams, Martin, Betts and McGovern should all be available for selection against Collingwood next week.

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