Richmond key forward Tom Lynch will miss Friday night's AAMI Community Series match against Collingwood with a sore toe.
Lynch will join Dion Prestia (hamstring) on the sidelines for the clash at Marvel Stadium, but both remain very much in the frame for Richmond's season opener against Carlton on March 18.
“It’s just a conservative approach leading into this time of year,” development coach Sam Lonergan said on Thursday morning.
“Dion’s tracking really well to be right for round one.”
The absence of the star pair, as well as fellow triple-premiership player Bachar Houli, opens the door for the Tigers' youth to continue apply pressure for spots.
Riley Collier-Dawkins, Callum Coleman-Jones and Will Martyn will get the opportunity to face the Magpies.
“From a development point of view, it’s fantastic to see (those three players) and their approach,” said Lonergan.
“Their attention to detail is elite, because they know they’re up against elite players for the same spots.”
One Tiger cub who has caught Lonergan's eye in his first pre-season at the club is father-son draftee Maurice Rioli Jr
“His game last week (in the 'B' practice match) was fantastic,” Lonergan said.
“He was bash and crash, his appetite for the contest was exceptional for a young man and it’s exciting. It’s exciting to see a young player in our footy club with that amount of hunger and aggressive approach to the contest.”
