RICHMOND midfielder Dion Prestia is in doubt for Friday night's clash with Essendon as he battles hamstring soreness.
Prestia went for scans during the week and while he has not suffered a strain, the Tigers are expected to be cautious with the treatment of the injury.
Richmond football manager Neil Balme told AFL.com.au Prestia would be given every chance to face the Bombers, but given his injury history this season he would not be risked.
"Dion trained today (Wednesday) and we're not certain about what we'll do with him," Balme said.
"I guess there's some doubt, but nothing's been decided yet."
Prestia pulled up sore after Saturday's game against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium but was running at training on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old battled a hamstring complaint in the pre-season, while he also been hampered by a calf injury and missed the clash against the Cats a fortnight ago with sore ribs.
"He was a bit sore on the weekend, but he played the game out," Balme said.
"If there's any genuine risk with him we won't play him, but we've just got to see how he pulls up from the session today."
Prestia has averaged 23.5 disposals from 10 matches for the Tigers this season.
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