Richmond is set to welcome back up to eight members of its best side as its preparations advance for round one. 

The Tigers beat Essendon by eight points in Wangaratta on Saturday in round two of the pre-season competition, but remain far from full strength, unlike the Bombers who were missing only two first-choice players. 

The Roar is Back in season 2013.  Join the Tiger Army as a member today.

Captain Trent Cotchin, vice-captain Brett Deledio and ruckman Ivan Maric all missed the Bombers' clash, as did defender Steven Morris, recruit Chris Knights and young midfielder Reece Conca. 

With defenders Dylan Grimes and Troy Chaplin also close to returning, coach Damien Hardwick said things were going to plan. 

"There's probably about eight guys who will come back into our best 22 and that's really good for us," Hardwick said after the Essendon win.

"We've gone about it in a certain way, so we'll probably play pretty much full-strength sides in [the third and fourth rounds of the NAB Cup.]"

Chaplin, who crossed from Port Adelaide at the end of last year, is likely to take the field for his new club for the first time next week against Hawthorn. Grimes, recovering from a hamstring injury, is a chance to play the following week. 

"Probably the only guys who possibly won't play round one [are] Grimes and [Nathan] Foley. But other than that we're in reasonable shape which is good," Hardwick said. 

Hardwick was pleased with his side's ability to close out the win against the Bombers, and praised returning defender David Astbury for his job on Essendon forward Michael Hurley.