Hard-nosed midfielder Tom Hislop has regained his place on Richmond’s senior playing list.

Hislop earned his elevation with a string of strong performances for Coburg in the VFL, following his return to the playing field from a severe knee injury, which ruined his 2010 season.

He was delisted by Richmond at the end of last season, but was subsequently handed a lifeline by the Club, via the AFL rookie draft.

At the time, Hislop said he was totally focused on regaining full fitness and repaying the faith the Tigers had shown in him.

The 23-year-old, who was recruited from Essendon, played 12 games in his debut season with Richmond in 2009, but managed just three senior appearances last year, before undergoing surgery for bipartite patella in both knees - a rare condition affecting the kneecap.

Hislop subsequently developed tendonitis in both knees, which hampered his recovery, but he finally resumed playing at Coburg last month, and his form since has been excellent.

He has impressed with his ball-getting ability, both inside and outside, strong work ethic, and clean disposal.