SHANE Edwards shapes as a significant inclusion for Richmond in Sunday's elimination final against Carlton, after missing the round 21 clash between the rivals with a hamstring injury.

Edwards returns from a one-match suspension this week and is certain to boost the Tigers midfield depth as well as their half-forward line.

The 24-year-old has only played one of the last four games because of the injury and suspension setbacks, but he will be a key inclusion after a much-improved season.

"We're excited about Shane coming back in, both in the midfield and through the forward line," assistant coach Brendon Lade said on Thursday. 

"Last time against Carlton we missed a lot of our half-forward line.

"To have Shane come back into that line will be very important for us … kicking goals and putting pressure on."

Chris Newman (ankle) and Jack Riewoldt (back and knee) appear certain to be included in the Tigers' squad, with coach Damien Hardwick describing them earlier this week as "locks" to play.

Both trained on Thursday, but midfielder Matt White, who was due for light duties, appears less certain to overcome a hamstring injury in time to face Carlton.

"Whether he trains again on Saturday to give him every possible chance of playing on Sunday … we'll have to wait," Lade said. 

There was speculation following the Tigers' flat round 21 performance that they were impacted in that game by a heavy training phase, but Lade said that was not the case.

He said the coaches considered changes to the team's preparations this week, but decided not to toy with a winning formula.

"We thought about it and why change it? We've won 15 games this year and done really well in a lot of the games we've lost as well," Lade said.

"We've obviously lightened off – every team lightens off come finals time – but we weren't in a heavy training phase at all last time.

"I think when you get towards the end of the year – it was round 21 when we played them – it is a long year and the players do get tired.

"We've given the players a bit more rest and hopefully they're raring to go by Sunday."