Richmond expects to regain the services of key players Ivan Maric and Bachar Houli for this Saturday’s clash with the Gold Coast Suns in Cairns.

Houli was a late withdrawal from last Saturday’s loss to North Melbourne with hamstring soreness, while Maric has missed the past two games with a minor groin strain.

Both will take part in Richmond’s training this week, before their fitness is assessed.

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Emerging Tiger midfielder Brandon Ellis also faces a test later this week, as he attempts to show that he’s overcome the concussion he suffered in the first quarter of last Saturday’s match.

And in-form midfielder Daniel Jackson is expected to be fit to play the Suns, despite being hampered by an ankle injury in the match against the Kangaroos.

In other injury news, defender Dylan Grimes continues to progress strongly from his foot injury, and is 2-3 weeks from resuming.

Rookie defender Ben Darrou is a fortnight from a return to the field, as he recovers from a broken jaw.