Superstar Tigers Dustin Martin and Tom Lynch have been officially ruled out for Richmond's Round 18 meeting with North Melbourne, while former skipper Trent Cotchin and key utility Noah Balta are slated to put their hands up for selection.

Richmond physical performance guru Peter Burge detailed Lynch's hamstring injury, noting the club's hope that the key forward will only be absent for the short term.

"Tom, early in the game in the first five minutes, was accelerating to chase and had some awareness in his right hamstring, the opposite leg to his injury from a couple of weeks back," Burge said.

"He took the shot at goal and then came off and flagged with us that he didn't feel comfortable. Some scans today have shown that he's got a little bit of signal.

"He's going to miss this week and we'll put him through a short rehab phase. Hopefully, it will be a very short-term injury, but we'll wait and see."

As for Martin, Burge believes the Brownlow Medallist is "touch and go" for the Tigers' Round 19 blockbuster against Fremantle.

"Dustin's progressing well. He didn't play on the weekend with his injury from the West Coast game, but he's progressing his speed and some kicking and agility," Burge said.

"He won't be available this week, and given next week it's a short turnaround on the Friday night, it's going to be touch and go.

"Dustin's missed some footy earlier in the year as well with some time off, so it's really important that we maximise his preparation and make sure that when he comes back, he's safe and he can finish off the year strongly."

Meanwhile, in more positive news for the Tigers faithful, ex-captain Cotchin, the versatile Balta and rookie defender Josh Gibcus are on track to make their returns after recovering from respective ailments.

However, co-captain Toby Nankervis and improving midfielder Jack Ross are doubtful to face North Melbourne after succumbing to injury last weekend.

Richmond will be looking to secure their tenth win of the season when they battle the struggling Kangaroos at Marvel Stadium on Saturday afternoon.