Richmond defender Dylan Grimes will be out of action for the next 6-8 weeks, as he recovers from a foot injury.

Grimes, who was sidelined following the Round 6 game against Geelong, was initially scheduled to return after a couple of weeks.

“Unfortunately, Dylan’s foot has not responded as quickly as we had hoped it would, so we will now take a very conservative approach with him,” said Richmond’s General Manager of Football, Dan Richardson.

In positive injury news at Tigerland, No. 1 ruckman Ivan Maric (ankle) and valuable veteran defender Chris Newman (groin soreness) are expected to be available for Saturday night’s blockbuster Dreamtime at the ‘G clash.

Talented, young midfielder Reece Conca continues to recover well from his foot injury, and he is considered a chance to be ready to resume in the Round 10 match against West Coast.

Ricky Petterd is likely to spend a further two weeks out with a calf injury, and he is now not expected to return until after the mid-season break.