Tigers are ready to tame training

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

This year’s premier will officially begin pre-season 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 impacted in their preparations for next year.

Forward Ben Griffiths (concussion) and ruckman Shaun Hampson (back) are also ready to attack pre-season.