What’s new: A deeper, harder midfield that will feature recruits Jacob Townsend and Andrew Moore, as well as second-year onballer Corey Ellis. Contested ball is a major focus at Punt Road Oval after last year's final defeat, so expect to see plenty of Tigers putting their bodies on the line.

Bolters: Mature-age recruit Nathan Broad appears certain to play in the opening NAB Challenge match, and from there could make a push for round one selection. He has impressed the Tigers all summer and could earn a spot as a tall defender or rebounder such is his versatility. Expect Daniel Rioli and Oleg Markov to feature early on.  

Who’s back: David Astbury is a virtual recruit for the Tigers after just four games in 2015. After a string of injuries, his absence last year was largely due to form but he has been among the standouts this pre-season. Nathan Drummond is still recovering from a knee reconstruction and won't feature in the NAB Challenge.

Wildcard: After spending time in the forward line this pre-season, key defender Troy Chaplin could be planted in attack through the NAB Challenge while Astbury and Alex Rance man the key defensive posts.

Missing: High profile recruit Chris Yarran (calf) will have a delayed start to the home and away season. Ruckman Shaun Hampson is unlikely to feature early in the NAB Challenge after ankle surgery in the off-season. The majority of Richmond's A-graders will be unveiled in the second and third rounds

Fantasy watch: Nathan Broad (DEF, $125,000) has four years of WAFL football behind him, and as an outside, running defender, there are few cheaper going