Richmond is optimistic veteran Chris Newman escaped serious damage after a knee scare against Melbourne on Friday night.

Newman landed on his right knee after a marking contest in the third quarter of the Tigers' 14-point loss to Melbourne in the pre-season challenge match at Etihad Stadium and had to be helped from the ground.

The 31-year-old was treated in the rooms and didn't come back on as the Tigers narrowly fell to the Demons.

After the match, Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said while it was too early to tell the full extent of Newman's injury, early signs indicated he had possibly dodged a bullet. 

"We're hoping it's just jarred at this stage. I think he landed a bit awkwardly, but we'll find out more in the next couple of days," Hardwick said.

"He was up walking around so we're just hoping it's jarred."

The Tigers were without a number of first-choice players for the clash with the new-look Dees, including Jack Riewoldt, Daniel Jackson, Reece Conca, Ivan Maric and Dylan Grimes.

Hardwick praised the Demons for being harder around the contest, controlling the ball better and for having a stronger intent, which he expressed his frustration over at three-quarter time.

"It will give everyone a bit of an eye-opener now," he said.

"I often try to remain really composed, but I was disappointed with their overall intent.

"That's a big things in footy games - if you don't bring it, you don't often win."

He praised the late performance of draftee Sam Lloyd, who improved as the game went on, and that of rookie Anthony Miles, who did his chances of promotion to the senior list no harm with a solid game in the midfield.