RICHMOND rookie Matt Thomas has bolted into round one calculations after a hard-nosed midfield performance in Friday's practice match against Essendon at Punt Road Oval. 

Delisted by Port Adelaide at the end of last season, Thomas played a key role in the Tigers' 45-point win over the Bombers, pushing his case for senior elevation ahead of the club's season opener against Gold Coast on March 15.

The 27-year-old finished with 26 possessions (10 contested) and 10 tackles as the Tigers ramped up their pre-season preparations with a ruthless performance, winning 15.11 (101) to 8.8 (56).   

In the first match at Punt Road Oval between VFL/AFL opposition since 1964, more than 2,100 supporters packed in to see the Tigers at close to full strength.  

The players they were missing were ably covered, with Shaun Hampson leading the ruck while Ivan Maric recovers from ankle surgery, and tall forward Ben Griffiths impressing with two goals.    

Second-year midfielder Matt McDonough (22 possessions) also pushed strong claims for round one selection, while Chris Knights, Todd Banfield and mature-age recruit Nathan Gordon all played their first pre-season games as substitutes.     

Thomas had 15 possessions and three clearances in less than a half against Collingwood in the Tigers' second NAB Challenge match and is now in pole position to earn elevation to the club's senior list.

He complemented an onball division that was superbly led by captain Trent Cotchin (13 possessions and two goals) until he was substituted at half-time.

For Essendon, who has two weeks to prepare for its round one clash against North Melbourne on March 21, captain Jobe Watson was the star.

The 2012 Brownlow medallist built form after a quiet NAB Challenge, finishing with 32 possessions (16 contested).   

David Zaharakis (22) worked hard to spark the midfield but left the ground late in the fourth quarter following a heavy collision.

Second-year midfielder Martin Gleeson was also very impressive, patrolling a wing and pushing forward to finish with 16 possessions and a goal.  

Key forward Jake Carlisle returned and kicked two goals but may find himself under scrutiny by the Match Review Panel after making contact to Steven Morris with his knee off the ball.

Midfielders David Myers and Jake Melksham hit the ground running in their first pre-season games.

RICHMOND         3.2    7.8    12.8   15.11  (101)
ESSENDON        1.4     3.4     7.7      8.8    (56)

GOALS
Richmond: Griffiths 2, Cotchin 2, Riewoldt 2, Edwards 2, Grigg, Ellis, Newman, Vickery, Elton, Banfield, Knights   
Essendon: Daniher 2, Carlisle 2, Stanton, Gleeson, Fletcher, Chapman

BEST 
Richmond: Thomas, Deledio, Houli, Rance, Grigg, McDonough
Essendon: Watson, Gleeson, Zaharakis, Stanton, Fletcher    

Umpires: Stevic, Stewart, O'Gorman, Hawssen   

Official crowd: Approx 2,100 at Punt Road Oval