Richmond coach Adem Yze says that Noah Balta could return to the senior side next week despite the lingering court case that is set to be settled on April 22.
Balta could be facing jail time for his assault charge - which he pleaded guilty to - from the off-season.
The premiership defender was available for AFL selection after serving his four-match suspension handed down by the Tigers, but Yze and the coaching group opted to play him through the VFL.
Richmond's reserves faced an Australian U18 representative side, with Balta pressing his case for a senior recall.
Yze said his VFL performance was the first step back to the top flight.
"First thing was game time," Yze said following the loss to Fremantle.
"We needed to get a game under his belt, and then it depends on how well he plays and how he pulls up.
"Hopefully, he gets a good load of minutes under his belt. We'll assess how he played and whether he warrants a selection on the way he played.
"We'll have those discussions later in the week."
The Tigers are in desperate need of experience in defence after yet another heavy defeat, with Dockers forward Josh Treacy cashing in with six goals, and Balta's return couldn't come soon enough.
"Yeah, no doubt," Yze continued.
"He's been through a lot. So we're keen to get him... he wants to earn the respect back from his teammates, his club and our supporters.
"And to do that, he wants to get out there on the field. So he's doing that today. It's a first step. He'll help a lot of young boys.
"If he plays well enough, he'll warrant a selection."
Yze also downplayed any issue with veteran forward Tom Lynch, who was subbed out during Sunday's loss to Fremantle.
The Tigers will return to Melbourne and host Gold Coast in Round 6.
