As the countdown to the start of the AFL recruiting season cranks up, Richmond already has a pretty handy recruit for 2014 in its midst . . .

This time last year, Chris Knights was preparing to part company with his league football home of eight seasons, Adelaide, and join the Tigers as a free agent.

Unfortunately, Knights’ first season at Tigerland didn’t go anywhere near to plan.

After a promising start over the opening rounds, which saw him average 17.1 disposals in five games and kick six goals, Knights tore the patella tendon in his right knee during Richmond’s Round 7 victory over Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.

That brought a premature end to his 2013 season, but more than four months later, Knights is well on the road to recovery and aiming to have an impact in the Tigers’ 2014 line-up.

“I’ve been running outside and doing strength work in the gym . . . Hopefully, I’ll be right to go day one of pre-season,” Knights told ‘Roar Vision’.

Knights, who turns 27 today (Wednesday, September 25), was, understandably, frustrated that ‘Lady Luck’ intervened just as he was getting his career with the Tigers off the ground.

“It’s disappointing when you come to the Club and they’re expecting to get something from you, and you break down with injury.  But the boys filled my spot quite well this year, blokes stepped up, so, hopefully, I can just add again to what the team has to offer . . . through the half-forward line, through the midfield and, hopefully, I can assist Jack (Riewoldt) and some of the boys with getting on the scoreboard and giving some more scoring options,” he said.

“I’m definitely going to set myself for a big pre-season, so I can help the boys next year.”