Richmond has promoted mature-age recruits Ricky Petterd and Orren Stephenson from the rookie list to the senior list in the lead-up to the opening round of the 2013 season.

Petterd and Stephenson have been rewarded for their impressive performances during the Tigers’ pre-season campaign.

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Under AFL rules, the Club was able to elevate two players from its rookie list, due to the fact it had only 38 on the senior list.

"They've both played some really good footy over the pre-season and they've trained really well and almost haven't missed a beat, so I'm sure that will come into its own next week when the side is put out," Richmond captain Trent Cotchin told AFL.com.au on Tuesday.

"Big O has been fantastic; he's going to be there as a support for big Ivan Maric, and Ricky has come into the side and played a defensive role for us.

"I think it's a fresh start for him and he's pretty excited about it, and hopefully both get an opportunity pretty early on in the season."

Petterd, 24, played 54 games for Melbourne from 2007-12 and kicked 54 goals, predominantly being used in a forward role.

During this pre-season with Richmond, however, he’s excelled playing across half-back.

Stephenson, 30, played eight games in his debut AFL season for Geelong last year, following a highly-successful VFL career at North Ballarat that netted him three premierships.

He has acquitted himself very well at both AFL level with Richmond and VFL level with Coburg throughout the pre-season.

Both Petterd and Stephenson will now be in line for selection in Richmond’s side for the blockbuster opening round clash with traditional rival Carlton on March 28.