Richmond midfielder Dion Prestia has suffered a minor hamstring injury and will miss the premiers' opening JLT Community Series clash against Essendon on Saturday.
The setback caused the onballer to miss a match simulation training session with the Tigers last Sunday that featured their premiership stars.
Prestia underwent ankle surgery earlier in the off-season, an injury that bothered him during last year’s finals series.
The Tigers play just two practice matches ahead of their round one season opener with Carlton, and football manager Neil Balme thinks Prestia could return for their second pre-season hitout against North Melbourne.
"He had a minor hammy a week and a half ago, but he's not too bad. We're certainly hopeful he'll play JLT two," Balme told AFL.com.au.
Rising star Daniel Rioli will also miss JLT one, as he recovers from off-season foot surgery.
The Tigers are set to unleash their big guns, with Brownlow medallist Dustin Martin, skipper Trent Cotchin, star forward Jack Riewoldt and All Australian defender Alex Rance all set to play.
"We've only got two games … so there'll be no resting blokes just for the fun of it," Balme said.
"It's not going to be easy to pick the team, because there's not many unavailable.
"A few blokes will be disappointed they don't get a game, because it'll be like genuine selection."
