MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 14: Shaun Hampson of the Tigers looks dejected as they walk off after defeat during the round 21 AFL match between the Richmond Tigers and the Geelong Cats at Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 14, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

Richmond has suffered a blow ahead of round one, with ruckman, Shaun Hampson placed on the long term injury list.

Hampson has been battling an ongoing back injury and no return date has been set at this stage, but the club has confirmed he "will not be available to play in the early rounds of the season".

The 28-year-old will not require surgery.

A replacement player from the rookie list has not yet been named.