Richmond vice-captain Brett Deledio is likely to be named to play his first game of this season, with the Tigers to make a call on his availability in the 48 hours before Sunday night's Anzac eve match against Melbourne.  

Deledio has not played this season because of a persistent quad injury, but he trained on Thursday morning and is "over the hump", according to coach Damien Hardwick.

The Tigers will name an extended 25-man squad on Thursday evening, but train again on Saturday, with Deledio likely to be given until then to prove his fitness.
 
“It'll be a bit of a risk assessment and then we'll make the decision later on Friday or Saturday,” Hardwick said.
 
“He's got to get through training and we'll see how that pans out.  But he's made some progress from this time last week.
 
“We'd love to have him playing this week, but we've also got a long season ahead of us.”
 
Hardwick declared ruckman Ivan Maric a certain starter after two VFL matches in his comeback from a back injury.
 
Fellow ruckman Shaun Hampson, who trained with his corked thigh heavily strapped, and tall defender David Astbury (ankle), still needed to prove their fitness.  
 
Midfielder Anthony Miles will be considered for selection against the Demons after being dropped for last Friday night's clash with West Coast.
 
“We asked the kid to play a bit hurt and he probably wasn't up to his usual level of expectation,” Hardwick said.
 
“He's a terrific player for us and he'll put his hand up to play this week.”