Richmond cautious with veteran as premiership defenders push for Round 1

Despite a poor end to the pre-season regarding injuries, Richmond will have Noah Balta (hamstring) available for Thursday's season opening clash against Carlton.

Balta has been tending to a hamstring problem but needed to get through last week's training, while a session on Monday has also put him in the frame to take on the Blues.

"Last week we spoke that he had to get through training, towards the end of last week and this week, and he'd be available for selection, and that's what he got through," High Performance Manager Ben Serpell said.

"He'll be a discussion at the selection table."

Fellow premiership defender Nick Vlastuin has also ticked off all requirements to be available for selection this week.

However, the club will discuss whether to rush him back in given his limited preparation over the pre-season due to an ankle injury.

"Nick got through everything he needed to get through at training today," Serpell said.

"But he will be a topic of conversation at the selection table a bit later today because he has missed a whole lot of training over the last little while."

Midfielder Dion Prestia has been ruled out of Round 1 after a minor hamstring setback, with the plan of a return the following week.

Developing ruckman Samson Ryan is at least three weeks away as he progresses from a foot injury.