Richmond utility Nathan Drummond is nearing a return from his second knee reconstruction, and he could return to the Tigers' line-up this year in a new position.
Drummond, who has spent most of his five senior games behind the ball for the Tigers, is training in the attacking half in a bid to gain a spot in the forward line, as more of a high half-forward.
The 23-year-old could return as early as round one, although Tigers assistant coach Justin Leppitsch just wants him to return to full fitness first.
"We think 'Drummo' can do that sort of role, where he can get up the field and back again," Richmond assistant coach Justin Leppitsch told richmondfc.com.au.
"You can consider him a bit of a mid, a bit of a forward.
"Obviously, his first thing is to get back from his knee and get confidence in himself and that belief again in his performance, that's first and foremost, but we feel there's a gap there for Drummo to fit into."
Leppitsch also spoke about getting star forward Jack Riewoldt some help inside 50, with the Tigers going ultra-small for the majority of the 2017 season.
Richmond will be looking to add some height to their forward line, with a number of young key position players currently putting their hands up.
"We've got Callum Moore and Mabior Chol that have been around the footy club a couple of years as rookies, and they get their opportunity now to step up and show what they've got," Leppitsch said.
"Both have had really good pre-seasons, so that's exciting.
"We know Jack needs a little bit of help down there in the tall department, so we're hopeful those two boys can fill that task."
The Tigers are also looking to move Toby Nankervis forward, should Shaun Hampson overcome the back injury that sidelined him for the entire 2017 season.
When Riewoldt missed the Tigers' clash with Gold Coast in round 19, Nankervis played most of the game in the forward line, kicking three goals.
