Richmond winger Hugo Ralphsmith will miss the early rounds of the 2025 season following a hamstring injury in Monday's match simulation against West Coast.
Ralphsmith, who is earmarked for a permanent role in the Tigers side following a breakout 2024 season, has been cruelled by the injury after an impressive pre-season to date.
The 23-year-old suffered a "moderate-grade strain" and will be treated cautiously in his rehabilitation.
"Richmond wingman Hugo Ralphsmith has been ruled out of the early rounds of the 2025 AFL season," a club update read.
"Ralphsmith injured his hamstring in the second period of Monday's match simulation against West Coast, with scans revealing a moderate-grade strain.
"Richmond will take a conservative approach to the rehabilitation."
Ralphsmith will join a cohort of youngsters attempting to overcome respective injuries.
Prized No.1 Pick Sam Lalor has an unclear timeline of when he'll return after scans revealed a fractured jaw in a contest on Monday.
Fellow draftee Josh Smillie is hoping to put his hand up for next week's pre-season clash, returning from a hamstring issue that has plagued his summer training.
The quartet of Josh Gibcus, Judson Clarke, Mykelti Lefau and Tylar Young are still on the mend following their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears last year.
Premiership utility Noah Balta will also be sidelined for the opening month of the season, with the club imposing a four-game suspension for his involvement in a brawl before the new year.
Richmond will take on Collingwood as a last-ditch preparation at IKON Park next Wednesday in the AAMI Community Series before returning to the field for the traditional Thursday night clash against Carlton on March 13 at the MCG.
