RICHMOND will back key forward Ty Vickery to rebound from last week's two-possession game against Fremantle, with coach Damien Hardwick guaranteeing his selection for Saturday night's clash against Essendon.
Vickery has battled through a quiet fortnight, going goalless against the Sydney Swans and the Dockers and taking just two marks in that time.
He registered just one kick and one handball against the Dockers last Saturday night, and gave away three free kicks in horror conditions that Hardwick said provided a partial alibi.
"It was incredibly windy and incredibly wet, but in saying that Ty can play better," the coach said on Thursday.
"He knows that. He didn't get to enough contests last week, but he did the week prior.
"Ty will play."
Vickery has kicked 14.12 this season, with his last purple patch coming against Hawthorn in round seven when he kicked back-to-back goals before being taken from the ground.
He has kicked three goals in a game on three occasions this season and Hardwick said the 25-year-old had runs on the board when it came to selection.
"We know he can play some really good football and he's an important player to us," the coach said.
"He's one of the keystones to our forward line and we look forward to him playing a good game this week.
"He's been in some good form, his last couple of weeks have been a little bit down but good players bounce back.
"We expect him to do so."
First-year forward Daniel Rioli looks certain to return for Saturday night's Dreamtime at the 'G match after missing last week's trip to Perth because of a family illness.
Rioli returned to the Northern Territory last week but was back at the club on Monday, with Damien Hardwick struggling to contain his excitement when talking about the skilful forward.
"He adds a spark up there and he kicked a couple of crucial goals in his last game against the Swans," the coach said.
"He'll be putting his hand up to play and I think it's almost a certainty he'll come back in."
The tide is starting to turn for Richmond after back-to-back wins, with players returning from injury and competition for spots at a premium.
Young midfielder Corey Ellis is available after being rested against the Dockers, while Reece Conca will likely continue his return from a hamstring injury through the VFL.
Vice-captain Ivan Maric, meanwhile, will have to bide his time before breaking back into the senior team given Shaun Hampson's form in the ruck.
"Ivan, as we know, is a real competitor and he's started to play some better football at VFL level on the weekend," Hardwick said.
"The situation at hand is that rucks very rarely get through unscathed.
"At some point we expect to call upon Ivan and we expect him to answer that call. He's an important player for us."
Hardwick would not discuss the club's level of interest in banned Essendon defender Michael Hurley after reports the Tigers would not pursue the All Australian.
"He's a very good player Michael Hurley, there's no doubt about that, but that's where it'll stay for this conversation today," the coach said.
Hardwick also refused to buy into speculation linking the Tigers to out-of-contract Gold Coast midfielder Dion Prestia.
