Richmond has confirmed that Josh Smillie will be unavailable for the opening weeks of the 2025 season, noting an ongoing hamstring issue.
Smillie injured his hamstring throughout the pre-season, but according to Tigers High-Performance manager Ben Serpell, it hasn't healed as they would've hoped.
The Pick 7 could miss up until Round 3.
"Repeat scans have shown that while Josh has not re-injured his hamstring, it has not healed as well as we would have liked," Serpell said.
"Rather than push him towards those early games, we will ensure he has a good block of training and strength work behind him before he returns to play."
Richmond is set to return to its traditional Thursday night blockbuster fixture against Carlton in Round 1, with Smillie joining fellow draftee Taj Hotton on the sidelines.
Prized Pick 1 Sam Lalor is also in a race to be deemed available for the Blues clash after he fractured his jaw in the match simulation against West Coast in February.
Lalor entered concussion protocols and had surgery, where a plate was inserted and two teeth were removed.
In more positive news, key forward Tom Lynch is on track to feature on March 13 at the MCG after two years of injury turmoil.
Lynch went into concussion protocols and subsequently missed the pre-season games but is expected to line up against Carlton.
