RICHMOND fans will have to wait until at least round three of the home and away season to see Trent Cotchin, their top pick from the latest NAB National Draft, in action.

The Tigers have placed the exciting 17-year-old midfielder, the No.2 overall pick in last November's draft, on the long-term injury list, with a broken bone in his foot and Achilles tendon soreness.

It means he will have to sit out the pre-season and the opening two rounds of the season proper.

The decision gives Richmond the chance of elevating a rookie-listed player into their squad for the opening rounds.

Football director Greg Miller said the club would watch the form of their four rookies during the NAB Cup, in which they are allowed to play, before deciding whether to promote one.

Two of them, former Essendon ruckman Tristan Cartledge and ex-Coburg key defender Jarrod Silvester, were selected in the Tigers' squad to play St Kilda in an opening round NAB Cup match on Friday night.

"There's a few who may play through the NAB Cup, it gives us some flexibility," Miller said.

He said Richmond drafted Cotchin aware of his injury and had always expected him to miss the early rounds of the season.