Richmond youngster Sam Cumming is poised for an AFL debut after a stirring performance for the club's reserves side over the weekend.
Cumming, and recent debutant Sam Grlj, were drafted by the Tigers last year, taken with consecutive selections within the top 10.
However, pre-season injuries, including a subluxation of his right shoulder - a troublesome shoulder he carried through his draft year - put his AFL debut on hold.
But a successful return to the VFL two weeks ago against St Kilda, where he collected 11 touches, six tackles and two clearances, and a dominant outing against the AFL Academy on the weekend, gathering 30 possessions, five inside 50s, five marks, two clearances, a goal, and the best afield medal, have placed him back on coach Adem Yze's selection radar.
Strengthening his case for an AFL debut is the Tigers' injury turmoil, after the club lost Tim Taranto (concussion), Sam Banks (collarbone) and Maurice Rioli ("slight" hamstring) in the dreadful 75-point loss to North Melbourne.
The Tigers have tucked into 34 players so far this year, and have a litany of big names such Jasper Alger (knee), Harry Armstrong (foot), Judson Clarke (ACL), Taj Hotton (hip), Tom Lynch (hamstring), Rhyan Mansell (foot), Toby Nankervis (hamstring), Tom Sims (elbow) and Josh Smillie (quad) on the sidelines.
Jacob Hopper is set to regain his spot after being managed, filling the void left by Taranto, but Cumming could assist with the front-half game.
The North Adelaide graduate is a powerful mid-forward athlete, utilising his explosiveness in the contest.
