RICHMOND veteran Nathan Foley has put the hurt of being dropped for last year's elimination final behind him, producing his best summer on the track yet.

The 28-year-old returned from a torn Achilles in round seven last season but was omitted for the Tigers' first final since 2001.

The tough on-baller has since emerged from that disappointment and has set the standard for the Tigers' midfielders, along with captain Trent Cotchin, so far this pre-season.

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"I'm sure it was disappointing for him and it was hard for 'Dimma' and us coaches to do that in the final," midfield and stoppage coach Danny Daly told AFL.com.au ahead of the Tigers' pre-season clash with Melbourne on Friday night at Etihad Stadium.

"I think mentally it was a challenge for him initially but he's got through it.

"I think the knowledge that he can train every day and do everything with the main group has helped him get through it and made him stronger."

Foley played every game in 2011 but was cut down but the partially torn Achilles tendon sustained at training in July 2012, which ended his year and delayed his start in the following season.

After going through a modified pre-season last year because of his rehabilitation, he's benefitted physically and mentally from being OK to face everything thrown at him this summer.

"'Axel' has probably had his best pre-season since I've been here," Daly said.

"With 'Cotchy', he's been one of our best two players over the pre-season in terms of their performance and the way they've done their pre-season.

"He hasn't had a full pre-season the last three years so just the ability to be able to train every day has really got him up and going.

"It's really good for Axel and I'm really pleased for him."

Foley has been named to face the Demons on Friday night in the Tigers' first of two pre-season games.

They will play Collingwood in Wangaratta on February 22 before a practice match against Essendon on March 7.

The pre-season games will give the Tigers a chance to evaluate their rookies, with the club able to name two as nominated rookies before the season starts.

Last year, Richmond promoted Ricky Petterd and Orren Stephenson before the season in the same situation.

Rookies Todd Banfield, Anthony Miles and Stephenson have been named to face the Demons, while Ben Darrou, Matt Thomas and Cadeyn Williams have also impressed so far this summer and could get their opportunity to shine against the Magpies.

"It's going to be a needs basis as to who we put up on what we feel we need," Daly said.

"There's good competition there but there's no rush to put them up so the pre-season is a good competition for us to be able to see these guys and how they perform and what best fits the team."

Coach Damien Hardwick told AFL.com.au last month the Tigers viewed its rookies as "injury replacement players" rather than development prospects.