What are the key questions to be answered in this week's JLT Community Series game against Essendon?
Does Damien Hardwick want to play a second tall forward?
If the Tigers feel they need to change and play a second tall alongside Jack Riewoldt, they will audition youngsters Callum Moore and Mabior Chol through the pre-season games. More time forward for Josh Caddy as a marking target is another option. Either way, there will be hints about the structure Richmond is taking into round one, and it may well remain the small, high-pressure structure that took it to a premiership.
How will Cotchin and Martin forward impact the midfield?
Hardwick has suggested he wants to look at stationing his two midfield stars alongside each other as deep forwards. If he tries this in the pre-season games, Kane Lambert and Josh Caddy will need to shoulder more. We know what Martin and Cotchin can go anywhere on the ground, but what can those midfielders do when they're the main men?
Can Reece Conca force his way in for round one?
The Tigers have loved Conca's work off half-back this pre-season and Hardwick is expecting the 25-year-old to have a good year if he can stay injury free. If he gets off to the right start in the JLT Community Series, look for him as a replacement for suspended defender Nathan Broad in the early rounds.
Stay tuned for the team announcement for the first JLT Community Series game this afternoon.
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