RICHMOND bad boy Daniel Connors has been welcomed back to Punt Road with open arms, says teammate Shaun Grigg.

Grigg, speaking at a press conference before Friday night's NAB Cup opener against Hawthorn and North Melbourne, said Connors was gaining fitness after returning to the club in the new year.

He said Connors would be considered for elevation into the Tigers' line-up in coming weeks.

Connors, 23, was suspended by the Tigers for 12 weeks during Trade Week in October after what the club described as socially unacceptable behavior.

Connors said the problem had been his propensity for making bad decisions while he was drunk.  The suspension cost him the chance to go on the Tigers' training trip to Arizona late last year.

"Dan's in really good nick," Grigg said.

"He's training as a forward. He'll be really lively down there.

"He's fitted back in really well. He's well liked. It's good to have him back."

Grigg said young players Steven Morris and Brandon Ellis had made big impressions during their first pre-season with the club, and both were pushing for a place in the team for round one of the Toyota AFL premiership season.

"They're a chance," Grigg said.

He preferred to bat away questions about coach Damien Hardwick being in the final year of his three-year contract. He said the contract queries would be answered if the Tiger carried out the coach's instructions and won games.

Richmond plays in the first round of Friday night's triangular series, against North Melbourne at 6.45pm.

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