Newfound depth is what is keeping youngster Nick Vlastuin out of Richmond's side, and he's no guarantee to break into the line-up this week despite an impressive VFL display.
The 18-year-old, who shone in pre-season games after being recruited by the Tigers with pick No.9 in last year's AFL Draft, had 22 possessions and five inside 50s in Coburg's 46-point win over the Northern Blues on the weekend.
The first-year defender, along with Ricky Petterd, Chris Knights and Dylan Grimes, are in the selection frame for Friday night's clash with St Kilda but their coach has admitted competition is hot and there will be no forced changes.
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"Whether we make changes or not this week, we'll certainty make a few tough calls in match committee," Damien Hardwick said on Wednesday.
"[Depth] is something we haven't had for a period of time and it's certainly good when you go to our Coburg side and you watch them play and you see a lot of players who are capable of playing AFL football.
"We've got ourselves in a good situation … but we've still got a long way to go in a certain situation.
"We've got some good players available for selection so it's going to be a tough call."
Hardwick said he was just as excited as the club's fans about Vlastuin's potential and admitted he could have easily played last week.
"It's a tough one; funnily enough, he's probably the most ready round one draft pick we've had," he said.
"But, because of the depth of our side and the talent that's available at the moment, he's just missed out.
"He'll force his way in, I've got no doubt, he was very good on the weekend again.
"Whether he makes his debut this week or in three weeks' time, he's going to play at some stage."
Petterd is available after a sore groin prevented him from a potential club debut last Thursday night against Carlton while Grimes is back after a pre-season hamstring injury.
Knights had 28 possessions, four inside 50s and three rebounds on the weekend, while former North Melbourne forward Aaron Edwards kicked five goals.
"[Edwards] just has to continue to play well," Hardwick said.
"He's played a bit of a different role as well so he's learning a couple of new things he can take into AFL level.
"We're really pleased with the way he's going – he's just got to wait for his chance and it will come sometime sooner rather than later. He's just got to make sure he's patient and keeps doing the right things."
In further good news, midfielder Nathan Foley completed the warm up with his teammates on Wednesday and appeared to have taken another step in his recovery from an Achilles injury.
