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Richmond big guns on verge of return after injuries

By Steve Larkin
Updated May 7 2024 - 3:10pm, first published 3:05pm
Dion Prestia could return from injury in a much-needed boost for the struggling Tigers. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)
Dion Prestia could return from injury in a much-needed boost for the struggling Tigers. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)

Richmond's influential midfielder Dion Prestia could return for his first AFL match since round one after overcoming a hamstring tear.

And utility Noah Balta is also in the selection frame for Saturday night's MCG match against the Western Bulldogs.

Balta hasn't featured since round three when damaging the medial collateral ligament in a knee and, like Prestia, will face a fitness test later this week.

Veteran midfielder Jack Graham (hamstring) and Jacob Bauer (hamstring) are chances after missing the nine-goal loss to Fremantle, as Richmond's lengthy injury list slightly eases.

The Tigers, languishing in 17th spot with just one win, still expect to be without on-baller Jacob Hopper - another hamstring victim - for another fortnight.

And club champion Tim Taranto (wrist) was listed on Tuesday as being another four to six weeks from a comeback, with key forward Tom Lynch (hamstring) six to eight weeks away.

Richmond have also lost Josh Gibcus and Judson Clarke to knee injuries for the season.

Australian Associated Press