IMPORTANT Richmond defender Reece Conca is on track to return from a foot injury before finals, while ruckman Shaun Hampson is set to play limited VFL minutes this week in a boost to the Tigers' limited tall stocks.
Conca, who started the season in terrific form, has been sidelined for the past three months with a Lisfranc joint injury in his foot, with the Tigers reluctant to put a timeline on his return.
The club confirmed on Tuesday he could return through the VFL as early as next week, giving the 24-year-old time to build match fitness and form and push his case for a senior return before finals.
Hampson, meanwhile, has been on the Tigers' long-term injury list since March with a lingering back injury and is set to play his first minutes for the season against Geelong's VFL team on Saturday.
The 29-year-old played 20 games last season as the Tigers' No.1 ruckman but has been in the rehab group all season, with Toby Nankervis taking over as the team's main big man.
Richmond has turned to rookie Ivan Soldo as support for Nankervis in the ruck, while Jack Riewoldt carried the forward line as a sole tall target before suffering an eye injury two weeks ago.
Forward line relief could be on the way through Ben Griffiths, who is one week away from returning from a shoulder injury.
Griffiths has played just two senior games this season because of multiple concussions, suffering a dislocated shoulder in his second game back in the VFL in round 18.
