Richmond captain Chris Newman will hit the upcoming pre-season campaign at full pace after recovering fully from a knee injury.

Newman missed the final five weeks of the 2011 season with a posterior cruciate ligament strain, but the injury will not hamper his preparations for next season.

The 29-year-old will complete a full program away from the ME Bank Centre, before the Tigers return for the official start of the pre season in early November.

“Chris is completely over the injury, and won’t miss any of his training requirements away from the Club before the players return,” said Richmond’s Elite Performance Manager, Matt Hornsby.

“It’s positive that Chris, and the majority of the playing group, will be available to take part in full training at the start of the pre season.”

It is a similar situation for another of Richmond’s long-term injury casualties this season, Dylan Grimes.

Grimes has recovered from a hamstring tendon injury suffered in Round 9, and will also take part in the players’ post season maintenance program away from the Club.

David Astbury and Tom Derickx are also well on the road to recovery, undertaking extra running sessions with a view to being ready for the start of the pre season.

Astbury had surgery after dislocating his kneecap in Round 12 against Sydney, while promising ruckman Derickx missed the majority of the season with a fractured foot.

Richmond spearhead Jack Riewoldt, who has undergone several minor surgeries in the off season, is also expected to be on the training track in early November.

“Jack’s post season procedures were all minor, and they will not restrict his preparation for the 2012 season,” Hornsby said.