Richmond star Dustin Martin is dealing with a corked calf just days out from his side's Opening Round clash with Gold Coast, an ailment that has placed the Brownlow Medal winner in some doubt for Saturday's game.
Martin suffered the injury during training and has since undergone scans, with the veteran midfielder likely to rest on Wednesday before Richmond's selection committee and trainers make a call on the 32-year-old's playing chances.
The Tigers could still bring Martin to Queensland for their season opener, with the club to potentially enter the 11th hour before making a final decision on his playing prospects.
Teammates Liam Baker and Dion Prestia played down the issue on Tuesday, suggesting Martin required "precautionary" scans and should be right to face the Suns.
"He copped a little knock and had a scan, which came through all clear," Baker said.
"He should be right, he's pretty tough."
The Tigers have a five-day break leading into their Round 1 clash with Carlton, with the short turnaround likely to factor into the club's thinking.
Martin is set for increased midfield minutes under new coach Adem Yze this year, with the Tigers' engine room already home to a bevy of formidable onballers. That crop includes promising youngster Thomson Dow, who looks to have broken into the Tigers' top line of midfielders.
Prestia is in the clear to play after overcoming a recent hamstring issue, while captain Toby Nankervis might not be in the clear as he nurses a foot concern.
Nankervis' potential absence is set to open the door for ex-Swan Sam Naismith to make his debut in the yellow and black, while forward Seth Campbell has been backed for a potential Opening Round debut.
"He's had had an amazing pre-season," Prestia said of Campbell.
"He's been doing most of the running in the pre-season with Tim Taranto, who's one of the best in the competition. For a second-year player to come in and be able to do that and really take his game to the next level (is exciting).
"Seth is one that I'm pretty excited to see."
Richmond will name their squad to face the Suns on Thursday evening.
