Richmond's 18-point practice match win over Geelong last Saturday saw many senior Tigers in action and the expectation is that it will be much of the same this weekend.
The Tigers will tune up for their Round 1 clash with Carlton by taking on Hawthorn in Devonport on Saturday.
With newly-appointed co-captain Dylan Grimes entering the line-up, GM of Football Performance Tim Livingstone revealed that the AAMI Community Series meeting with the Hawks will be a likely preview of the 22 that will suit up for the Blues in a fortnight.
“It is a dress rehearsal this week as far as we’re concerned,” he said on Sportsday.
“It’s your last chance before round one to get your crew playing together.
“You’ll get a fair indication of what the round one team will look like come Saturday.”
The off-season retirements of three-time premiership defenders Bachar Houli and David Astbury left Richmond with two gaping holes in their back six coming off last season’s disappointing campaign.
The acquisition of North Melbourne’s Robbie Tarrant was the club’s solution to the Astbury void, but Houli’s spot on the half-back flank will be covered up by someone already in-house.
Livingstone believes Daniel Rioli - who struggled to find form as a forward in recent years - is one of the leading candidates to step into the rebounding role.
“In terms of Bachar, it’s hard to replace anyone of that ability,” he added.
“We’re really excited by Daniel Rioli’s shift down back last year and what he was able to produce.
“We think his game can go to another level.”
Among the other candidates are youngsters Hugo Ralphsmith and Rhyan Mansell, who have both turned heads in pre-season.
“Hugo Ralphsmith played some terrific footy on Saturday (against Geelong),” Livingstone said.
“Rhyan Mansell has been good in his first year.
“So we’ve got some options there off half-back and some guys that are playing good footy.”
The Tigers will meet the Hawks in Tasmania on Saturday before kicking off their 2022 season against the Blues at the MCG on March 17.
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