Richmond’s VFL side’s narrow victory in its final pre-season match last weekend has come at a cost, with key forward Aaron Edwards damaging the medial ligament in his knee.

Edwards left the field in the second half of the win over Essendon, and is set to spend 2-3 weeks on the sidelines.

Youngsters Liam McBean and Ben Lennon also failed to see out the match after rolling their ankles, with both to be assessed during the week before a decision is made on their fitness.

Utility Chris Knights is also facing a fitness test this week after he suffered knee soreness.

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In other injury news, key defender Alex Rance will miss the next 2-3 matches with his foot injury, while Ivan Maric is expected to have recovered from an ankle injury within a month.

Defender Matt Dea (broken hand) is four or five weeks away from his return.

Richmond’s VFL team kicks off its home-and-away season this Saturday, April 5, against Footscray at Whitten Oval, at 10.30am.

The game is a curtain raiser to the Tigers’ AFL clash against the Western Bulldogs, at Etihad Stadium at 1.45pm.

See Richmond’s full injury list