The impressive form of Richmond premiership pair Dion Prestia and Daniel Rioli since their return from lengthy stints on the sidelines, because of injury, is another big tick for the Tigers’ fitness team.

Prestia missed a couple of months with a calf complaint, and was given a mini pre-season in preparation for his comeback.

He’s subsequently slotted seamlessly back into Richmond’s line-up over the past three matches (v Sydney, Round 15, v Adelaide, Round 16 and v GWS, Round 17).

He’s averaged 27 disposals, 10 contested possessions, 4 inside-50s, 3.6 clearances and 3.3 tackles in those three games and provided the Tigers’ midfield with a major boost.

Rioli, who broke his foot in Richmond’s 2017 Grand Final triumph over Adelaide, didn’t appear at AFL level again until a month ago (the Round 13 clash with Geelong).

In his four games back, the speedy, silky-skilled small forward has averaged 12.5 disposals and five tackles per match and he’s kicked a total of seven goals. Most importantly, he’s added that vital defensive pressure to the Tigers’ front half.