Richmond coach Adem Yze intends to keep using Noah Balta as a forward-ruck, excited by the partnership he could form with Toby Nankervis when their captain returns.

Nankervis (hamstring) is on the injury list and will miss a seventh-straight game on Sunday when the Tigers (1-7) host Adelaide at the MCG.

The raft of injuries has ravaged Yze's developing side, which was winless until last week's drought-breaking effort against West Coast in Perth.

But premiership defender Balta's move forward and into the ruck has been a positive, starting with an eye-catching display against Melbourne skipper Max Gawn a fortnight ago.

"We've thrown his magnet around over the last couple of years, but out of necessity while Nank's out we might have found something," Yze said.

"He's been itching to help our team, not only to get a win but just to get our boys' spirit and fight back.

"Against 'Gawny' and Melbourne's potent midfield we were just scratching the surface, then he's gone and put a bit of work in with our mids and we got a nice performance again.

"Hopefully that grows and gets better over time, and then we might have a nice combination when Nank comes back as well."