AFTER contending with a wave of injuries earlier in the season, Richmond coach Damien Hardwick now faces the dilemma of whether to tinker with a winning line-up.
With the exception of Chris Knights, who will miss the rest of the season with a quad injury he sustained in the VFL on the weekend, the Tigers expect to have nearly all their senior players available in the next two weeks.
Reece Conca is available for Sunday's clash with St Kilda after a two-game suspension while Dan Jackson has put his hand up after returning from injury in the VFL last weekend.
Ty Vickery will be available for round 23 after his suspension for striking Dean Cox ends and David Astbury is resuming in the VFL this weekend after a knee injury.
Hardwick said the sudden change in fortune made selection difficult as the Tigers continued their late push for a top-eight spot.
"Most of our list is really healthy, which compared to the front of the year is a godsend," Hardwick said on Thursday morning.
"Our fitness and medical staff have worked incredibly hard to keep the list at the right stage so were really pleased with how that's gone.
"We're probably a little bit [hesitant to change a winning side] to a degree but it's good to have good players putting up their hand.
"The great thing is it puts pressure on everyone within the side to play their role, and more importantly play well.
"There will be certain players who are a little bit tired at the moment, so we've just got to make sure we get those players to perform at their best."
Midfielder Matt Thomas will miss one more week with a knee complaint but is expected to play against the Sydney Swans in the final round.
Hardwick said the Tigers had taken a significant step this year in turning their season around after losing 10 of their first 13 games, regardless of what happened with the finals.
"It would have been quite easy for this group to pack it up, but it's a real credit to Trent (Cotchin) and his players that they've stood up and delivered," he said.
"We're still short of where we need to be, but more importantly they've found that steely resolve that I think our fans and supporters were looking for.
“Within themselves they've dug deep, which I've been really impressed with."
Hardwick paid tribute to Shane Edwards, who will play his 150th AFL game on Sunday.
He said the 25-year-old was "very well loved" around the footy club and was an important part of the fabric of Richmond.
"He's been outstanding. I think he's a guy who's improved every year I've been here," Hardwick said.
"He's a fantastic indigenous player. I think a lot of people don't realise that, but he's an incredible talent.
"He does things that only very few people can, and I think he's a special player.
"The ability for him to get in and out of traffic and create goals for others is outstanding.
"He's a wonderful player, we're very fortunate to have him and 150 games … it seems like he's still the same age as when I got here, he's got that boyish look, and I've been very fortunate to coach him."
