Richmond could have two premiership players back next week

The Tigers’ season didn’t start as they’d have planned but with a win against the Bulldogs on Saturday night, things are looking up.

The Tigers say Lambert (L) and Vlastuin (R) will likely return for next week's game. Image: Getty

The Tigers could welcome back two premiership stars as early as next week, with both Nick Vlastuin and Kane Lambert considered “probable” for the clash against Adelaide.

Vlastuin has spent time on the sidelines with a hamstring injury while Lambert has not yet featured in 2022 due to a hip complaint.

Stream every match of every round of the 2022 Toyota AFL Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free In-Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

However, the raft of injuries at Punt Road has led to more opportunities for the Tiger cubs, who have flourished with greater exposure.

“We’ve got a vastly different side now, as compared to two years ago,” said senior coach Damien Hardwick after Saturday’s win over the Western Bulldogs.

“We are really excited by the guys we have unearthed, Hugo Ralphsmith was wonderful again tonight, Josh Gibcus continues to grow, Ben Miller is becoming very reliable down back.

“We have found some pieces of the puzzle and players who we think are going to be long-termers for us.”

Lambert at training earlier this month. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

The club’s “injection of enthusiasm” has kept the vibe strong at Tigerland and Hardwick was pleased by the playing group’s response in the wake of last week’s disappointing loss to St Kilda.

“Our guys put their hand up after the disappointing last quarter of last week and showed what Richmond footy looks like,” said Hardwick.

With the side’s pressure game “growing” by the week, the team’s ability to sustain those pressure levels for four quarters was a key factor in securing the win over last year’s runners-up.

“The challenge for us is understanding what makes us a good footy team and continuing to build on it and invest in it and set the foundation moving forward,” said Hardwick.

The Tigers consigned last year’s runners-up to a 1-3 record. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

The Tigers matched their opposition in contested possessions, a necessity against a contested ball side like the Bulldogs and are now brimming with confidence going into next weekend.

Moving forward, Hardwick hopes his side can continue to build from this performance.

“We’ve been inconsistent this year, so we need to make sure we iron out those inconsistencies,” he said.

The Tigers will look to make it back-to-back wins when they take on the Adelaide Crows next Saturday.

Originally published as Richmond could have two premiership players back next week