Richmond coach Damien Hardwick believes the impending return of midfielder Daniel Jackson will complement the "fantastic" role Matt Thomas has been playing for the Tigers.

The Club’s reigning best and fairest winner is almost certain to return to the senior line-up to face the Dogs, after playing two VFL matches since shaking off the effects of a hamstring injury.

"He's an important player for us and his leadership around the ground is enormous, so we're really looking forward to welcoming him back in," Hardwick said.

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"Now we get two battering rams in there which is always handy, so now we've got two guys who are contested ball winners.

"It probably helps Cotch out a little bit as well to get a bit of protection in there for him."

The Tigers coach was full of praise for Thomas, who has excelled in the midfield after being elevated off the club's rookie list prior to the season.

"The thing that makes him a good player is he does the simple things well," Hardwick said.

Richmond defender Alex Rance, who fractured his foot after falling off an exercise bike during a cross-training session in a freak accident, is two to three weeks away, according to Hardwick.

The Tigers defender was walking around in a moon boot prior to training on Thursday.

Despite the loss of some key players, Hardwick said there was no excuse for poor performances with some crucial games coming up in the schedule.

The Bulldogs game is followed by a four-week block which includes clashes against top-four aspirants Collingwood, Hawthorn and Geelong.

"We're probably playing at about a 6/10 at the moment. But we'll be ok, we'll get our game up and going and we'll go from there,” Hardwick said.

"The thing is we just need to continue to do the little things well. We probably haven't been playing our best footy, but the quality sides win games when they're not playing well, which is what we are."