RICHMOND half-forward Chris Knights is easing into pre-season training as he looks to make a successful return from a serious knee injury in 2014.

 

Knights, who tore his right patella tendon in May, joined the Tigers' full list at the ME Bank Centre on Wednesday, but his workload was carefully managed.

 

The 27-year-old completed a handful of light drills with the main group before doing his own kicking work with assistant coach Danny Daly and then moving inside after 40 minutes.

 

Entering his second season at Punt Road, Knights is ahead of schedule in his recovery, according to the Tigers, and appears in good condition after completing his own off-season running program.

 

Other players on light duties during Wednesday's two-hour session included Ty Vickery, Liam McBean, Shane Edwards, Dylan Grimes and Reece Con`ca, who continues his recovery from hamstring surgery.

 

Jack Riewoldt, Ivan Maric and Jake King also did a lot of their own running away from the main group at different stages of the session.

 

The Tigers' three recruits from last week's NAB AFL Draft – Ben Lennon, Nathan Gordon and Sam Lloyd – all trained with the main group.

 

Lennon, who was selected with pick No.12, was already impressing with his clean foot skills, while mature-age recruit Gordon ran well.

 

Midfielder Brandon Ellis continued to lead the hard-running drills, while Daniel Jackson, Steven Morris, Ricky Petterd and Alex Rance impressed in their groups.

 

After returning early but making a slow start to the running program, Dustin Martin picked up the pace. 

 

VFL midfielder Nathan Batsanis had impressed in his training stint with the Tigers, but he was overlooked for a spot on the club's rookie list on Wednesday.

 

List manager Blair Hartley delivered the news halfway through Wednesday's session, with the Tigers opting for recycled players Todd Banfield (Brisbane Lions), Anthony Miles (Greater Western Sydney) and Matt Thomas (Port Adelaide).