Richmond veteran Dion Prestia has been ruled out of the opening rounds of the season after an Achilles injury flared up at training last week.
It was revealed by the Tigers that Prestia had put a "solid amount of work" across the summer months to put aside any lingering soft-tissue injuries he's endured in previous years.
However, the 2019 Jack Dyer medallist has been downed once again.
"Unfortunately, Dion has an Achilles issue that will require a rehabilitation phase over the coming weeks," Richmond High-Performance Manager Ben Serpell said in a club update.
"Dion has completed a solid amount of work across the pre-season up to this point and got himself into excellent condition.
"However, we will now need to take some time to focus on getting his Achilles right, which will likely rule him out for the early rounds of the season."
MORE: Players who are set to miss your club's opening clash
Prestia has struggled to remain on the park, playing 13 games last year due to hamstring and calf issues.
The former Sun will join a long list of teammates who are likely to miss the 2025 season opener against Carlton on March 13.
Speedster Hugo Ralphsmith will miss the early rounds of the upcoming campaign after suffering a moderate-grade strain in his hamstring during the club's match simulation against West Coast.
Prized No.1 Pick Sam Lalor fractured his jaw in the same game and has entered concussion protocols.
Premiership defender Noah Balta will also be absent due to his club-imposed suspension while a quartet (Judson Clarke, Josh Gibcus, Tylar Young and Mykelti Lefau) of Togers are still working their way back from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries sustained last year.
Richmond injury list
Judson Clarkeย - Knee
Josh Gibcusย - Knee
Tylar Youngย - Knee
Mykelti Lefauย - Knee
Noah Baltaย - Suspension (four matches)
Hugo Ralphsmithย - Hamstring
Sam Lalorย - Jaw
Dion Prestia - Achilles
