RICHMOND expects recruit Josh Caddy to be available for its opening final after ruling out the midfielder for the last two matches of the home and away season with a "minor hamstring strain".
Caddy suffered the injury in Saturday's loss to Geelong and underwent scans that cleared him of serious damage, with the Tigers confident he can return in time for the club's September campaign.
The former Cat has been an important player moving between the midfield and attack, playing as a deep forward during Jack Riewoldt's two-week absence with an eye injury.
The 24-year-old has played 19 games this season and averaged 17.6 possessions, booting four goals against Hawthorn in round 20 in his best game for the club.
Meanwhile, defender Reece Conca and tall forward Ben Griffiths are making a late run to play finals, with the pair set to return through the VFL if they can pass fitness tests this week.
Conca, who started the season in terrific form, has been sidelined for the past three months with a Lisfranc joint injury in his foot, while Griffiths has played just two senior games this season because of multiple concussions.
The tall forward also suffered a dislocated shoulder in his second game back in the VFL in round 18.
Defender Steve Morris, who has been sidelined since round 15 with a hamstring injury, also faces a fitness test this week before being considered for selection.