Richmond selectors are waiting with bated breath on a pair of crucial reports, with best and fairest winners Dion Prestia and Trent Cotchin in some doubt for the Tigers' season opener in 13 days.
The seasoned pair exited Richmond's 50-point loss against Melbourne at Casey Fields under separate clouds, with Prestia battling yet another injury and Cotchin now at the mercy of the Match Review Officer ahead of the Punt Roader's Round 1 date against Carlton.
Since joining the Tigers ahead of the 2017 season, Prestia has worn yellow and black on 97 occasions at an average of under 17 each campaign.
But while Prestia was able to feature in 19 senior fixtures during the 2022 season, the rebound came after playing just 18 games over the course of 2020 and 2021 combined.
With injuries, setbacks and returns becoming Prestia's brand of late, the Tiger Army could have been forgiven for their familiar sense of foreboding as the 30-year-old failed to return for the second half of the rout, sitting out with what has been described as a pectoral strain.
Prestia was captured by cameras in a jovial mood, even posing for selfies after running extras during the main break, however, without scans, Richmond's midfield coach, Andrew McQualter, admitted the midfielder's run to Round 1 remained clouded.
"It's some sort of pec (pectoral) injury. Obviously, we'll go and scan him later in the week, but we're not sure at this stage. Hopefully, it's not too serious," McQualter said post-game.
"Dion would know best at the time. Thumbs up from Dion is a good sign. If we've got him happy on the bench, it's better than grumpy Dion. Hopefully, it's not a bad result."
McQualter and his coaching comrades will also have a keen eye on Cotchin after the former captain was captured laying a forearm over the face of Melbourne utility James Harmes.
MRO sits Monday. De Goey releases Meek at the last minute which might save him from trouble. Preuss lets go of Tom Berry before it becomes a spear tackle so think he is ok. Cotchin with the forearm is a poor look. Would have to be assessed as intentional for a one week ban pic.twitter.com/xQMIXalWBq
— Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) March 4, 2023
Tipped to spend more time as a forward this season, the Brownlow medallist was muted in his early output inside 50, however, found his feet after moving back into the centre of the ground on Saturday evening.
If his actions are found to have been deliberate by the MRO, Cotchin will miss Richmond's traditional opener against old enemies Carlton on Thursday, March 16.
The MRO's report is due to land early next week.
