Places in Richmond’s best 22 will be keenly contested in the lead-up to the 2013 season, according to defender-turned-midfielder Chris Newman.

The Tigers’ former skipper said a competitive pre-season a healthy playing list means the competition is on within the playing list to pull on the Richmond guernsey for the Club’s season opener on March 28.

“We’ve got pretty much a full list to pick from, and come round one it’s going to be really competitive for spots,” Newman said at Richmond’s live family day edition of Talking Tigers.

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“We’ve got Peter Burge in, who is doing a cracking job for us, making sure we’re all fit and ready to go.

“There’s only Nathan Foley who is still running laps, but making a lot of progression with his rehab.”

Newman, who was impressive in his first outing as a midfielder in the first round of the pre-season competition, said young Tigers Nick Vlastuin and Matt Arnot were among those putting their hands up for senior selection.

“Nick Vlastuin has got a lot of attention.  He’s a really good kid, who probably doesn’t say a lot, but leads by his actions,” Newman said.

“He’s one of those tough in-and-under players that I know the Richmond supporters love.

“I thought Matty Arnot was really impressive coming on.  He was really clean and provided a strong presence for us around the footy.”

Richmond takes on Essendon in Wangaratta in the second round of the pre-season competition this Saturday, March 2.  The match will be broadcast live on Fox Sports, with the first bounce at 5.10pm.