Richmond forward Tom Lynch is "good to go" ahead of Thursday's AFL season opener against Carlton, while teammate Jayden Short is expected to face the Blues despite a recent calf strain.
Lynch has battled both foot and hamstring issues across the course of the pre-season to be under some doubt for the Round 1 blockbuster, however the lengthy rehabilitation process has allowed the star goalkicker to be ready in time for the match.
While there was a live chance Lynch might miss the Carlton clash, the 30-year-old has confirmed he's raring to go after his recovery "turned a corner pretty quickly."
"[I'm] feeling really good," Lynch said.
"It was great to play three quarters against Melbourne, it was a good intro into Round 1. I'm fully fit and good to go.
"I was pretty confident (in playing Round 1). Obviously time was getting away from me, but then it sort of turned a corner pretty quickly.
"I was always fairly confident that we got the surgery done with plenty of time to get up for Round 1."
Lynch has been one of several senior Tigers under an injury cloud in recent months, with Damien Hardwick's selection woes worsened last week after defensive-minded midfielder Jayden Short suffered a calf strain against the Demons in Richmond's second practice match.
Despite the fresh injury concern, Short was able to take part in Richmond's main session at Punt Road on Tuesday, with Lynch believing the Jack Dyer medallist firms as a strong chance to lace up the boots on Thursday night.
"Yeah I think so," Lynch said on whether he thinks Short will face Carlton.
"Obviously it's a good sign for any player if they get through a main session. I'm not 100% sure if he'll pull up well. I'm assuming he's gonna play.
"Last week there was a bit of doubt, but to get through the main session was very encouraging."
Hardwick is likely to have Dion Prestia (pectoral) and Jack Graham (toe) in the selection mix following their respective ailments, giving the Tigers a further boost to start their season.
Speaking on the pairing and Short, Lynch said the trio are key factors in the Tigers' system.
"They're three quality players. We're a better team with those three in there," he said.
"Hopefully they all put their hand up and play Round 1. It'd be a massive bonus for us."
Richmond and Carlton will go head-to-head at the MCG on Thursday, March 16 at 7:20pm (AEDT).
