David Astbury: An outstanding 2017 could easily have been rewarded with All Australian selection. Post-season shoulder surgery saw the key defender putting in the kilometers early in his preparation for 2018 and avoiding contact drills, but he is now primed.
Nathan Broad: A club-imposed suspension has ruled him out for the first three rounds and the 24-year-old will need to fight for his spot back. Structurally important at the end of 2017 with his flexibility and has been a star on the track among the defenders.
Reece Conca: Looked good through the JLT Community Series as a running defender as he jockeys for a spot in round one. Bachar Houli's injury and Nathan Broad's ban could see him picked against Carlton if there are two spots vacant.
Derek Eggmolesse-Smith: A Next Generation Academy selection, the quick defender played five games for Richmond at VFL level last season and has fitted in well on the track with the senior squad. The Tigers are pleased with his progress.
Brandon Ellis: Cemented his move to half-back with an excellent 2017 that saw the former wingman play a key role in the premiership. Has continued to place an emphasis on winning the ground ball this pre-season.
Ryan Garthwaite: Put in an eye-catching performance in the opening JLT Community Series game against Essendon with his strength in the air and composure for a young tall. Still has a way to go but promising signs this summer.
Dylan Grimes: The glue of the backline has enjoyed an uninterrupted pre-season, which is significant for a player with Grimes' injury history. A career-high placing of fifth in last year's Jack Dyer Medal shows Grimes is at the top of his game.
Bachar Houli: Battling a calf injury, which has him in some doubt for the season opener against the Blues. The Grand Final hero, who could have won the Norm Smith Medal, pulled up sore from the opening JLT Community Series game.
Alex Rance: Treated carefully through the JLT Community Series games, Rance has got the game time he needed and then been rested. The best defender in the game, his mix of one-on-one strength and intercepting ability will again be a key to the Tigers' premiership hopes.
Jayden Short: An in-form option to replace Nathan Broad, the running defender looks a likely selection for round one. Short racked up 25 possessions and 10 marks in the JLT Community Series game against North Melbourne and used the ball well with a team-high six rebound 50s.
Nick Vlastuin: Kicked one of Richmond's goals of the finals against Geelong last year, but did his best work all year as a small defender. An intercept player and excellent kick, his pre-season performances were top notch.
