RICHMOND forward Josh Caddy appears set to return from a hamstring injury for Friday night's blockbuster qualifying final against Geelong after re-joining the Tigers' main training group.
Caddy, who has been sidelined since round 21 when he suffered the first hamstring injury of his career, trained on Friday and started Monday's session with the main group.
The 24-year-old, who has been valuable as a marking target in a small forward line, was running at full pace and completed kicking drills before the session was closed to the media after 30 minutes.
"He trained with us last Friday and he'll train again this week. Hopefully he puts his hand up and gets through training," teammate Shaun Grigg said on Monday.
With Caddy available, the Tigers are expected to make one change for Friday night's clash at the MCG but have significant depth pushing up in the VFL.
Midfielder Anthony Miles was dominant in the Tigers' elimination final win against Collingwood's VFL team on Saturday with 37 possessions (19 contested), nine clearances, six inside 50s and a goal, while forward Sam Lloyd (36 and a goal) and Corey Ellis (26 and a goal) were important.
Ruckman Shaun Hampson was also a standout in the ruck with 36 hit-outs, while tall forward Ben Griffiths showed positive signs, opening the slim possibility that the Tigers could opt for a second tall forward or ruckman.
Whatever path the Tigers take at selection, Grigg was adamant the team was "totally different" to the one that ran out for the club's losing finals between 2013-15.
The 29-year-old also dismissed the club's record against Geelong, which has seen it lose 13 consecutive clashes and 20 of the past 21.
"We're playing a totally different brand of footy, I think. We're more consistent and we've got a lot of new players," the midfielder said.
"We've shown throughout the year that our best footy has been good enough."
Grigg said superstar teammate Dustin Martin's signature had provided a pre-finals "pep up" for the team and Richmond fans, who are expected to turn out in massive numbers for an open training session on Thursday.
The idea of playing in a premiership was something the hard-running midfielder could not help but dream about after the Tigers finished top four for the first time since 2001.
"Every player probably thinks about it every day throughout the year," he said.
"It gives us a chance. If we play well enough this year and hopefully win, we've got a chance.
"We're lucky enough to play for a big club and our supporters get out most weeks (so) it'll be 90-plus thousand, which is really exciting."
