RICHMOND defender David Astbury looks likely to miss Thursday's AFL season opener against Carlton after he was stung in the left foot by a stingray.

Astbury was in a recovery session at a Port Phillip Bay beach on Wednesday when the barb did enough damage to require minor surgery.

"While you can imagine there has been a bit of banter between Dave and his teammates about his luck or lack thereof, this is a reasonably serious and extremely painful injury," Tigers football manager Dan Richardson said on the club's website. 

"We expect Dave will recover quickly and be ready for selection in the early rounds of the season."

Astbury played only eight senior games last season because of a knee injury.

It's seven years since Western Bulldogs forward Jarrad Grant also needed surgery after a ray stung him during a recovery session at Port Melbourne beach.

Meanwhile, Richmond ruckman Shaun Hampson appeared to suffer a knee injury during Thursday's pre-season hitout against Collingwood at Punt Rd.

Hampson limped from the field in the third term.

The Tigers big man was showing solid form before the injury.