Key Tigers trio Dylan Grimes, Dion Prestia and Jack Riewoldt are all set to make a potential return to action this weekend as Richmond take on St Kilda in Round 3.
Richmond coach Damian Hardwick stated after Sunday's win against GWS that Grimes was rested as a precaution due to mild soreness, but is back to full fitness and a lock for this weekend's matchup against the Saints, while injured duo Nick Vlastuin and Kane Lambert will remain sidelined.
โDion is a chance, Jackโs a chance, Dylan will play,โ Hardwick said.
โHe [Grimes] was just a bit sore, he trained on Saturday but just didnโt feel comfortable, and it's one of those ones where, you know, let's just take the week instead of pushing it and hoping he doesnโt hurt it.โ
โThe others might be a little bit further away, but I was really pleased with the players we have in the side at the moment.โ
Superstar midfielder Dustin Martin still remains out indefinitely due to personal reasons. Hardwick remains uncertain on when the midfielder will make his return to the game.
"Do we want to see him playing? Yeah, but it is what it is,โ Hardwick said.
โIโve got no clarity, as I said itโs a personal issue and weโll leave it at that.โ
The Tigers rebounded from their disappointing Round 1 loss to Carlton by beating the Giants by 36 points in what was a convincing performance.
Noah Balta and Tom Lynch made for a formidable forward duo, while skipper Trent Cotchin looked back to his best in midfield. Hardwick was full of praise, highlighting impressive performances from the team in general as well as individual performances from players including Balta, Cotchin, and former Roo Robbie Tarrant.
โPleased to see some guys play some terrific footy, thatโs whatโs expected from them,โ Hardwick said.
"That's Richmond footy, that's what we love. We're not a kicks, marks, handball side, we just want to reward those behaviours."
The Tigers venture to Marvel Stadium on Sunday to face St Kilda as both clubs look to secure their second win in three weeks.
