RICHMOND is flirting with the prospect of throwing 184cm midfielder Marlion Pickett into a pinch-hit ruck role to replicate Shaun Grigg's premiership feats.

With shortened quarters placing question marks on the Tigers' dual ruck combination, all options remain open ahead of their season restart against Collingwood's Brodie Grundy and Mason Cox.

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Pickett played as an onballer in a bruising 90-minute match simulation at Punt Road on Thursday morning, the Tigers' last proper hitout before round two in seven days' time.

However, like Shaun Grigg (190cm) in the 2017 premiership, the Tigers believe Pickett is capable of providing a contest and greater damage at stoppages. 

The Tigers played both 2019 premiership big men Ivan Soldo (58 per cent) and Toby Nankervis (46 per cent) on reduced minutes in round one but the pair played on opposing sides on Thursday. 

And with neither providing an overwhelming case to play minutes in attack, the Tigers admit they may go with one ruckman at stages in 2020.

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"We haven't confirmed anything with that, it's still the debate we've been having for three years and two games," assistant Justin Leppitsch said post-training.

"We liked the look of both rucks out there today, but we've got some options whether we play the old Shaun Grigg role with a Marlion Pickett.

"Like we did with Grigg, I don't think he really competed that heavily in the ruck contest, it was more having that extra midfielder and having his smarts to get an advantage.

"If he (Pickett) does play that role or we play Jack (Riewoldt) or 'Lynchy' (Tom Lynch) for bits that's a possibility.

"We're tossing all those options up now if we think we need the run, or we think we need the height."

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Ironically it was Grigg's retirement that opened the door for Pickett's fairytale NAB AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft arrival last season before he debuted in the flag win.

Reigning best and fairest Dion Prestia completed the warm-up but failed to take his place in the match simulation.

The Tigers insist it was part of a management plan with the midfielder in no doubt to tackle the Pies at the MCG.

Premiership teammate Bachar Houli did his chances of a recall no harm, playing two of the three periods on Thursday morning before heading for individual running.

"We deliberately played him two of three quarters to build him but given the fact he's a seasoned campaigner, we think he's done enough work as long as he gets through training next week," Leppitsch said.

Jack Higgins impressed playing parts in the 'A' forward line as he looks to play his first senior match back following brain surgery last year.

Fellow forward Dan Rioli sent a scare through the Tigers' camp late in the hitout, copping a significant knock to his abdomen in a contest and was on the ground for close to 60 seconds.

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After assistance from Dr Greg Hickey, Rioli got to his feet and walked gingerly from the ground.

Jack Ross, who Leppitsch admitted was in a selection battle with Higgins for the positions of round one pair Sydney Stack and Jack Graham, was trialled in a new role at half-back.