Richmond captain Trent Cotchin and forward Ty Vickery should play in round one after being subbed out of Friday’s AFL practice game.
Coach Damien Hardwick said Cotchin (calf) and Vickery (back) had nothing more than soreness and the Tigers were taking no risks with the two key players.
Richmond showed they were ready for next weekend’s away match against Gold Coast with an impressive 45-point win over Essendon at Punt Rd.
“Tyrone, he just had a bit of soreness so he was fine,” Hardwick said.
“He could have played on … we thought let’s not take the risk and get him off for round one.
“It was more just a stiff back really – you know, those big, soft blokes.
“Cotch is the same … he just got a bit of a knock in the calf.”
There was a lot to like about Richmond, with David Astbury and Alex Rance strong in their key defensive roles.
Former Port Adelaide midfielder Matt Thomas was arguably their best player in his bid to earn an elevation from the rookie list.
Todd Banfield and Anthony Miles have also shown during the pre-season that they have claims for a promotion.
Hardwick says they can elevate two players, with the Tigers having to make the call in the next few days.
“The great thing about it is three to four guys have shown at various stages they are capable AFL players,” Hardwick said.
“He (Thomas) is doing everything right, he had 10 tackles and 25 touches and he’s a bit like a human wrecking ball, which is good to see.”
Second-year player Matt McDonough also had another impressive game off half-back.
Hardwick said key forward Jack Riewoldt was rusty in his first game for the year, but he kicked two goals.
The Tigers will definitely be without ruckman Ivan Maric for round one, while midfielder Daniel Jackson is in doubt.
Jackson would be their No.1 option to play on Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett.
“Is anyone capable of that role, stopping little Gaz?,” Hardwick said.
“I think like most sides, you have to rotate three guys through Gary, he’s such a capable player and will get his 25 to 30 anyway.
“It is quite amazing that a player of his calibre will improve (every) season.”