Richmond coach Adem Yze is tossing up what to do with Dustin Martin as he nears a return to football following a persistent back issue that's plagued him since Round 16.
Martin's absence due to injury has further fuelled speculation over his future at Punt Road, while it is understood that he's keen to pull on the yellow and black jumper before the season ends.
Despite being a chance to face Collingwood on Sunday at the MCG, depending on how the three-time Norm Smith medallist gets through Thursday's training, Yze is weighing up what Martin's return would look like, if it was this weekend.
"That's exactly what we'll look at today," Yze said.
"Whether it's game time, position or possibly the sub. I don't know if he'd ever want to play as the sub.
"But the priority will be making sure he has enough training load to get through an AFL game."
Martin recently returned from a mid-year New Zealand trip during his injury woes to help clear his head and catch up with family.
Yze ticked off the decision to travel amid the "external noise" about what he'll do in 2025, saying he's returned to the club with a "smile on his face".
"He's in a good spot," Yze said.
"He turned a corner late last week. Friday he did a little session and then ran on Saturday, trained Tuesday with the group and today is going to be his main opportunity to train to get some volume in.
"We won't put him at any risk to hurt himself this weekend and the decision-making will be around if one or two sessions is enough or whether we need another full week of training."
The Tigers will be without captain Toby Nankervis (concussion) for the clash with the Pies while they'll regain Tim Taranto and Nick Vlastuin.
Maurice Rioli Jnr (ankle) and Marlion Pickett (calf) will also be making their returns in the VFL.
