RICHMOND may be set to take on West Coast and gun ruckman Nic Naitanui without its No.1 big man with Toby Nankervis failing to train on Wednesday morning.
Nankervis wasn't sighted during the hit-out at Punt Road after appearing to injure his right wrist in the third quarter against North Melbourne on Sunday.
The 23-year-old landed awkwardly after contesting a centre bounce against Todd Goldstein shortly before three-quarter time and looked to be in discomfort when he grabbed his wrist.
However, he played out the game and even took a mark in the minutes that followed.
Former rookie and seven-gamer Ivan Soldo did train on Wednesday and looms as the likely replacement for Nankervis if he fails to get up in time for Sunday's game.
"I think [Nankervis] has got a couple of sore spots but I'm not too sure what it is," defender Nick Vlastuin told AFL.com.au.
"Ivan Soldo has been playing really well in the twos, so I'm not sure what selection is but if 'Nank' doesn't pull up, and I think he'll be alright, but if he doesn't pull up well I suppose Soldo will come in and fill a role.
"He's been following up really well at ground level in the twos so I'll be excited if 'Nank' doesn't pull up that Soldo gets a go but either way we're confident that our midfielders can probably nullify Nic Nat around the ground."
A fresh Naitanui is set to come into the Eagles' side after missing last week's win over Greater Western Sydney due to a one-game suspension for tackling Port Adelaide's Karl Amon.
The high-flying ruckman has been on reduced minutes in his seven games this season after missing all of 2017 following a knee reconstruction.
Coach Adam Simpson has already indicated the week off may allow for him to play for longer against the Tigers.
Back-up ruckman Shaun Grigg also trained on Wednesday and looks set to reclaim his place in the Richmond side after missing the past two games with a hamstring injury.
Forward Jason Castagna (knock to the knee) missed the session and also appears to be in doubt, while defender Nathan Broad – who has a corked glute – mainly ran laps.
Fellow backmen Bachar Houli and Dylan Grimes were on light duties with veteran ruckman Shaun Hampson, who is struggling with an on-going back issue.
Dion Prestia didn't train and is likely to miss a second game because of the calf injury he picked up against Fremantle in round seven.
But livewire forward Daniel Rioli got through the session and looks likely to play his first game since last year's Grand Final on Saturday against Sandringham in the VFL.
The Tigers will train again on Friday before holding their captain's run at Perth's Optus Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
