Tigers still hungry for more success

RICHMOND forward Daniel Rioli will have an interrupted start to the pre-season, but the Tigers are otherwise in tiptop shape as they prepare for a return to the track later this month.

This year’s premier will officially begin pre-season training on November 27, but many players have already started trickling back into the club to begin their own programs. Rioli — who broke his foot in the final quarter of the grand final — had surgery last month and remains on holidays in the Tiwi Islands but is believed to be recovering well.

“Daniel is still back home at the minute but we think his surgery so far has gone well,” Richmond general manager of football talent Dan Richardson said. “It was successful but he’s got a bit of a rehab process ahead of him.”

There are few other injury concerns at Punt Rd, with other off-season surgery recipients including David Astbury and Jayden Short (both shoulder) not expected to be greatly affected in their preparations for next year.

Forward Ben Griffiths (concussion) and ruckman Shaun Hampson (back) are also ready to attack the preseason after being sidelined for much of the 2017 season.

Richardson said it had been pleasing to see some players already back training in their own time, indicating the hunger was there to further develop next year.

“Just because you win a flag doesn’t mean you can rest on your laurels,” he said. “I noticed Dion Prestia was in the gym on Saturday, young Ryan Gathwaite was there as well. I’ve noticed Rancey [Alex Rance] and Jack [Riewoldt] being back around the club the past week or so doing some running. I would take from that they’re all starting to get into their programs and thinking about getting back into training.”