JACK Riewoldt was the star as Richmond ramped up preparations for its premiership defence, booting seven goals in a competitive match simulation session with the VFL Tigers on Saturday.
While flag heroes Dan Butler, Jason Castagna and Nathan Broad were part of a 12-man squad that got their seasons started in Saturday night's AFLX tournament in Sydney, some of the Tigers' biggest stars featured in the match play at Punt Road Oval.
Brownlow medallist Dustin Martin was also a standout, with his long kicking and clean hands out of stoppages setting him apart in the midfield first formal match simulation of the Tigers' pre-season.
But it was Riewoldt who dominated the clash, kicking all seven goals from marks and set shots, including one from beyond 50m.
As the Tigers contemplate their best forward structure, midfielder Josh Caddy was excellent in attack, booting multiple goals and suggesting he could again be the perfect foil for Riewoldt after playing as a marking target last season.
Skipper Trent Cotchin and vice-captain Alex Rance also featured in the practice match, alongside premiership Tigers Bachar Houli, Brandon Ellis, Kane Lambert, Shaun Grigg, Dylan Grimes and Shane Edwards.
Richmond's first pick in the 2017 NAB AFL Draft, Jack Higgins, travelled for the AFLX tournament, but fellow draftee Patrick Naish remained in Melbourne for the match play and hit the scoreboard.
With ruckman Shaun Hampson still battling a back injury that will sideline him for the start of the season, premiership big man Toby Nankervis and Ivan Soldo did battle in the ruck.
Small forward Daniel Rioli remains on a modified program as he races to be fit for the start of the season following foot surgery in the aftermath of last year's premiership.
The Tigers will travel to Wangaratta to launch their JLT Community Series against Essendon next Saturday before taking on North Melbourne at Ikon Park on March 7.
