New Richmond coach Adem Yze has endured a tough start to life as a senior coach, dropping his first three games in charge after joining the Tigers at the end of last season.

Injuries have played a role, including in Sunday's loss to Port Adelaide when Maurice Rioli became the sixth change to the side that lost to Carlton the previous Thursday night.

The 46-year-old said he was proud of the Tigers' effort in the face of adverse circumstances, with the club forced to make five other changes – Dion Prestia (hamstring), Tylar Young (concussion), Josh Gibcus (ACL), Nathan Broad (calf) and Jacob Hopper (knee) after round one.  

08:30

Round 2: Yze post-match

Watch Richmond’s press conference after round two’s match against Port Adelaide

"We're going through a bit of adversity at the moment," Yze said.

"Guys getting sore at training, but in the end we've got to go with a no-risk attitude, regardless of win-loss. For guys like 'Broady', if there is any risk in playing them, we just can't, they are too important to us. with Maurice, if you're not 100 per cent, we've got fresh players. 

"We're going through a little bit, but in saying that we've come up against two quality sides in Carlton and Port Adelaide and I feel like when we have played our best footy in patches, we can take it up to the best sides. There are elements of our game that we’re really proud of."

06:06

Round 2: Match highlights

Highlights of the Round 2 match against Port Adelaide.

Rioli is expected to be available for next Saturday’s game against Sydney at the MCG, along with Young and Broad. But Hopper is set for knee surgery on Monday and at least a fortnight on the sidelines. 

"'Hop' is going to go in tomorrow for a look inside his knee," Yze said.

"He might be out for two weeks. He might have a bit of a cleanout. 

02:35

'A few lapses early in the third and fourth quarters' - Baker

Liam Baker speaks with Richmond Media following the sides Round 2 loss to Port Adelaide.

"He could have tried to push his way through it, but he is too important. He needs to be able to train and get on top of that. But we are thinking a couple of weeks."

One highlight was the debut of New Zealand native Mykelti Lefau, who was honoured with a haka in the Richmond rooms before the game.

Originally picked as their sub, Lefau was brought into the 22 when Rioli was withdrawn just prior to the first bounce.

"His story is amazing ... he's played on the MCG in front of his family," Yze said.

"He's just had the opportunity of a lifetime. He'll just be better for the run.

"There were times when he looked lost out there and that's okay. We're just really proud of his story."