RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick has described the latest setback to befall Chris Knights a “sad state of affairs” after the seemingly jinxed half-forward suffered a hamstring injury in his first game back for nearly two years.

Knights limped off in the second quarter of Saturday night's 79-point win against the Brisbane Lions and did not return. It was his first game at AFL level since round seven, 2013, where he ripped the patella tendon off the bone.

Hardwick confirmed after the match Knights had injured his hamstring, although was unable to elaborate on the severity of it. 

Big Ben rings true for Tigers

"It's disappointing for the young fella," Hardwick said. "He's made his way back in the side, he's had a tough journey. We feel for him.

"It's a sad state of affairs. Unfortunately we haven't got the Chris Knights we know we could have in our club at the moment.

"He's just had a wretched run with injury and no luck at all."

On a more positive note for Hardwick was the form of his skipper Trent Cotchin and an even contribution across the board in the mauling of the Lions.

Cotchin was comfortably the best player on the Gabba, racking up 37 disposals, seven clearances and a classy left-footed goal in the first quarter.

While Hardwick praised his captain, he was more pleased with the level output from his entire team. The Tigers had 12 goalkickers – led by Jack Riewoldt's four – and 12 players with 18 disposals or more. 

WATCH: Click here for Damien Hardwick's full press conference

"To a man I thought a lot of players stood up tonight and delivered," he said. "We were really disappointed with our performance last week and the expectation going forward is we get even, solid contributions from all players that play, and I thought we got that tonight.

"You notice the good sides have an even spread."

Hardwick also saved some kind words for Riewoldt, who had 12 disposals, five marks inside 50, two goal assists and a smother to his night's work.

"He does some things that are just special," Hardwick said.

"That smother, he sets up teammates. He gets a bum steer sometimes that kid, but he's a very good player."