Training with rival players on an oval the size of a regular AFL field’s centre square doesn’t seem like the ideal preparation for being thrown back into the cut and thrust of a premiership race.

But Richmond’s Shane Edwards says a handful of sessions on the tiny paddock with fellow quarantined stars Gary Ablett (Geelong) and Dan Hannebery (St Kilda) will suit him just fine.

“We’ve had a large training block already back home in Melbourne and the other guys have as well … so we’re due for a few lighter sessions,” Edwards said.

“Our training here doesn’t really have to be huge with long kicks and long runs.

“We’ll use it as a tune-up but also stay sharp with a bit of contested stuff and sharp movements in a small area.”

All-Australian midfielder Edwards is eyeing a return for second-placed Richmond in their round-18 clash with Adelaide as they chase a third flag in four seasons.

He and Ablett were both late arrivals in Queensland this week after missing the first stretch of their clubs’ latest hub stays for family reasons.

Hannebery is on the comeback trail after hamstring surgery in July.

All moved well during a series of short football and running drills during their first combined training session on Friday.

Richmond draftee Bigoa Nyuon also took part in the session, while injured St Kilda midfielder Jade Gresham was an onlooker.

The joint session was run by club fitness and coaching staff Sam Lonergan (Richmond), Andrew Mackie (Geelong) and Andrew Wallis (St Kilda).

Edwards lapped up the chance to train alongside dual Brownlow Medal winner Ablett, comparing the Little Master’s skills and clean hands to those of Tigers teammate Dustin Martin.

“It’s actually something I’ll reflect back on at the end of my career and think what an unbelievable opportunity,” Edwards said.

“You know so much about him but haven’t really met him properly.

“He’s just an amazing bloke and I’m going to try and learn as much as I can off him.”