PREMIERSHIP midfielder Dion Prestia is set to return for Richmond in its top-of-the-ladder clash with Sydney on Thursday night.  

The 25-year-old has not played since round seven after battling a calf injury, and has managed just four games this year.  

But the former Gold Coast star is expected to be brought straight back into the Tigers' line-up for the contest.  

Coach Damien Hardwick said the Tigers had prepared Prestia to be available at AFL level.  

"Dion will be available for selection this week, which is a real positive for us," Hardwick said on Tuesday.  

"He's had a really good, solid training block so he'll put his hand up straight away for AFL [selection] and we'll make that decision today (Tuesday)."  

Prestia was a key cog in Richmond's midfield last year as it surged towards its drought-breaking premiership in what was his first season at the club after crossing from the Suns.  

He gathered 27 disposals and kicked a goal in the Tigers' Grand Final win over Adelaide.  

Hardwick said the club had thought about bringing Prestia back through the VFL but decided against it.  

"We did consider it but the fact is we got two really good training blocks with Dion and that was always the train of thought just to get him right for AFL," he said.  

"He's such a vital player to the way we play and we can't wait to have him back. He'll get through training today and he'll put his hand up and he'll play this week, which is good."  

Key defender David Astbury will return from the ankle injury that saw him miss the Tigers' clash with Geelong in round 13 before its bye last week, but defender Bachar Houli is not yet ready with his groin injury.  

The game carries many storylines but the prospective battle between perhaps the game's best key forward, Lance Franklin, and best key defender, Alex Rance, also whets the appetite.

Hardwick, who jokingly dubbed the match-up 'Rance Franklin', said the pair would spend time against each other.    

"It will [happen] at stages, there's no doubt. Alex plays full-back, Franklin plays a traditional full-forward role, so we're going to see that at stages.  

"But once again, Alex will play on whoever's down there. Luke Parker will be down there at various other stages as well.  

"They're two great players, so it's worth the price of admission to come and see those guys."  

The blockbuster meeting will be Richmond's first game at Etihad Stadium this season, but Hardwick downplayed any concerns about not having it fixtured at the MCG.  

"It is what it is. We can't change it, we accept it. We're happy to play them anywhere, any time, as most clubs would be, and Sydney would be the same," he said.