Richmond will welcome star duo Dion Prestia and Jack Riewoldt back into its line-up for Saturday night's clash with the Western Bulldogs at the MCG.

Both return to the side for the first time since Round 1 after suffering hamstring and thumb injuries respectively.  

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Speaking to the media on Thursday morning, coach Damien Hardwick said the Tigers had taken a conservative approach with the important duo. 

"(Jack) probably could have played last week, but I thought we'd take the extra week. We look forward to welcoming him back into the forward line," Hardwick said.

"It was tough last week because he has been a warrior for the Football Club and will continue to be. He's such a competitive beast... but we need to look after his long-term well-being.

"(Dion's) a player we miss, no question. 

"What he does is very special to our footy club, and there are not many players that can do it to the level he does within AFL ranks."

Key defender Ben Miller has also been recalled for the Bulldogs match in place of Tigers' co-captain Dylan Grimes, who suffered a hamstring injury last weekend.

Also out of last week's side is omitted trio Jack Ross, Jake Aarts and Ivan Soldo. 

Despite Grimes' absence, Hardwick says swingman Noah Balta would likely stay forward where he has shone in recent weeks, with the Tigers to play with three tall forwards. 

Ross and Soldo have been named as emergencies for the match, alongside young defender Rhyan Mansell and yet-to-debut Tyler Sonsie. 

The Tigers will confirm which player steps into the 23 to serve as the medical substitute 60 minutes before the game.

Hardwick said the Tiges were excited by the Saturday night challenge.

"(The Bulldogs) move (the ball) so well and have such a depth of midfield... That's going be a challenge for us no doubt," he said.

"But there are certain things in our game that will challenge them as well. So, we just need to make sure we bring our strengths and try to reduce or eradicate theirs as much as we can."

The Round 4 clash will be broadcast live on Channel 7, FOX FOOTY and Kayo, with the opening bounce set for 7.25pm.

Richmond team v Western Bulldogs, Saturday, April 9, 7.25pm, MCG
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In: Dion Prestia, Jack Riewoldt, Ben Miller

Out: Dylan Grimes (injured), Jack Ross (omitted), Jake Aarts (omitted), Ivan Soldo (omitted)