DAMIEN Hardwick says he's still unsure of the Tigers' best 22 and has conceded there could be heartbreak stories in the coming weeks as more players become available to return. 

Blessed with a short injury list and the expected return of Trent Cotchin, Dion Prestia and David Astbury for Saturday's clash with the Western Bulldogs, the Tigers are close to full strength.

But with premiership pair Kane Lambert and Dan Butler to become available over next week's bye, even more players will be feeling the heat as their premiership defence begins. 

"There's going to be some players that are stiff, there's no doubt about it, but that's the nature of the game," Hardwick said on Thursday.

"We're still trying to settle on our best side as well.

"We've got some players who are playing some really good footy at the lower level and guys that are hanging in there at the moment at AFL level.

"Once again, we're out to find out who's going to be the best 22."

Cotchin, Prestia and Astbury all trained on Thursday and are expected to be named, while Jason Castagna (corked quad) and Dylan Grimes (back), who both had complaints treated during last week's win over Essendon, were also on the track.

Hardwick said the trio that missed last week's win over Essendon would have to get through the session but looked to be moving well in the early stages. 

Lambert and Butler were unsighted, nearly two weeks after minor surgery to reinforce their injured ankles.

While Lambert will have missed just two games before the first final and should seamlessly slot back into the line-up, Butler faces a bigger challenge having last played in round 16.

Hardwick was unable to guarantee if Butler would have enough time to prove his fitness and find enough form to reclaim his spot.

"It's hard for me to answer at the moment but he'll be available to play the week of the bye, we're hoping he'll get some football in at the VFL finals that week," Hardwick said.

"He's a really important part of the way we play, his speed, his ability to take on the contest and get to contests is really important.

"We'll give him every chance to play, but once again, until we start to cross that bridge we'll stick with the side we've got at the moment."

Jack Riewoldt is a chance to secure the Coleman Medal on Saturday as he goes into the round with a two-goal lead over North Melbourne's Ben Brown and a three-goal advantage over Geelong's Tom Hawkins.

Hardwick said he would be pleased if Riewoldt became the first Tiger to win the award for the third time, but the team wouldn't make it a focus.

"If he wins it, that's nice, if he doesn't win it, I won't lose too much sleep over it.

"It's a prestigious award, there's no doubt about that, but I expect our players and Jack will play the game he's destined to play.

"He's such a great team player so I expect him to play the same way this week."

The Bulldogs won't play finals but go into Saturday's game with promising form, having won their last three games.

Hardwick said they presented a firm challenge as Richmond looks to recapture its best form on the eve of finals.

"It's no coincidence they get their talent back, they start to play the brand of footy we know they can, incredibly aggressive with their hands, they try and come through the corridor and defensively they're starting to find their feet again," Hardwick said.

"We know we're up for a big challenge, the Bulldogs are a proud footy club and we expect them to come out all guns blazing for their last game of the year.

"I want us to play our best footy, I don't think we've done that over the last two weeks and I'm looking forward to seeing it this week.

"This week will be an indication of the guys' mental preparation to get the best performance out possible."