FREE agent Ty Vickery may have played his last game for Richmond at any level, with the tall forward in doubt for Saturday's VFL game with a hand injury.
Vickery played in a glove to protect his injured left hand against Geelong back in round 21 and it is understood the problem was aggravated in the VFL last weekend.
While coach Damien Hardwick has repeatedly stated Vickery is an important part of the Tigers' future, the club is yet to come to terms with the 26-year-old while players around him are re-signed.
A restricted free agent in the upcoming NAB AFL Trade Period, it is possible the Tigers have seen the last of Vickery if he is withdrawn from the VFL squad on Saturday.
"He's got a bit of a sore hand at the moment, so we're not even sure if he's going to play tomorrow," Hardwick said as the Tigers flew out of Melbourne on Friday.
When pressed on Vickery's future, Hardwick again stated his commitment to keeping the 200cm goalkicker.
"Ty's a quality guy. He's an important part of our future. He's kicked close to 30 goals this year and has consistently over the course of his career," the coach said.
Hardwick was keeping his cards close to his chest on list management issues on Friday, refusing to be drawn on Gold Coast midfielder Dion Prestia's request to join the club.
He praised fellow Suns midfielder Jaeger O'Meara, who has requested a trade, but said the Tigers' list management strategy would stay strictly in-house.
On popular ruckman Ivan Maric, who is out of contract and playing in the VFL, Hardwick said the club would discuss his future at the end of the season.
AFL.com.au understands the Tigers are one of a number of clubs in informal discussions with the 30-year-old's management about a dual playing and coaching role for 2017.
"We'll sit down and have the chat with Ivan. He's an incredible person and an incredible character around our footy club and we'd love to see that continue in some way," Hardwick said.
"We'll sit down at the end of the year and have the discussion about Ivan. He was very close to playing this week, he had a terrific game in the VFL."
The Tigers are looking to rebound from a disappointing performance against St Kilda in round 22 when they take a young team to face the Sydney Swans at the SCG on Saturday.
Exciting young tall Mabior Chol will make his debut, while Alex Rance will play his 150th game in an anticipated match-up on Swans superstar Lance Franklin, who remains in some doubt with a hip complaint.
"It's gone quick Alex's 150 games … he's an incredible player and they've had some great battles over the years," Hardwick said.
"Whether he takes him the whole time – 'Buddy' has obviously changed a bit with the way he plays being up the ground at various stages.
"But they've had some great contests and this is going to be a good one as well."
