Richmond coach Damien Hardwick remains uncertain about the ruck combination the Tigers will take into their AFL season opener against Carlton following Sunday's 12-point JLT Community Series win over Melbourne in Shepparton.

The promising efforts of developing big men Noah Balta (two goals) and Ivan Soldo caught Hardwick's eye against the Demons, while premier ruckman Toby Nankervis (three goals) was predominantly stationed in the forward line.

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"I don't know," Hardwick said with a laugh when asked post-match what his plans were for the Club's ruck department.

"I'd love to have some answers for you, but the great thing about it (is that) all those guys are showing something for us, which is real exciting. Trying to squeeze them into a side and see how that works is going to be a real challenge for us, but I'd rather that (problem) than the other one, where they didn't play that well.

VIDEO JLT1 - Balta on fire

"It's a real positive for us. We can build on what they've brought this week into next week.

"We saw some really positive signs today from some of our younger players. Noah Balta was terrific in and around the ruck and provided a real contest for us and a couple of highlights as well."

Hardwick said premiership players Josh Caddy (ankle), Shaun Grigg (knee) and Jason Castagna (ankle) were unlikely to face Hawthorn in Launceston on Saturday.

Boom recruit Tom Lynch is back in full training after recovering from a serious knee injury and Hardwick said the big forward would play when he declared himself ready and could play in round one without any formal match practice.

The coach flagged the prospect of Lynch playing a VFL practice match. 

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