Nick Vlastuin and Daniel Rioli re-sign with Richmond until the end of 2021

Freshly re-signed Richmond defender Nick Vlastuin is in two minds about growing back his premiership beard ahead of tomorrow night’s season opener against Carlton.

To beard or not to beard — that is the question.

Richmond defender Nick Vlastuin is in two minds about growing back his premiership beard ahead of tomorrow night’s season opener against Carlton.

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After winning the 2017 flag sporting his trademark facial hair — second only to Melbourne ruck Max Gawn for popularity — and maintaining it throughout last year’s preliminary final season, the Tiger underwent an off-season shave.

Now he is weighing up whether to put down the razor and grow it all back.

“If it happens, it happens,” he laughed yesterday after announcing he had re-signed with the Tigers until the end of 2021.

Nick Vlastuin, centre, and his famous beard celebrate the 2017 premiership victory. Picture: Julian Smith/AAP

“But I’m not planning on growing it, just because it is a lot of effort to maintain it and everything.

“I’ll never be clean-shaven, I’ll still have a little bit there.

“I don’t think it will be back to its bushy self. Looking back on photos, you’re kind of like, ‘why did I grow that?’. We’ll see what happens. If I play s … for a couple of weeks, then I’ll probably grow it.”

Vlastuin, 24, yesterday joined teammate Dan Rioli in committing to Richmond for another two seasons.

The ferocious defender didn’t think twice, he said, about recommitting at Punt Rd inspired by the fun factor around the club as the Tigers prepare to launch their 2019 campaign.

“I kind of saw the other side of it four years ago when we finished 16th and had a bad year and didn’t enjoy footy,” he said.

Richmond players Daniel Rioli and Nick Vlastuin and have re signed with Richmond for another two years. Picture: David Crosling

“And footy’s a massive part of your life, so really wasn’t enjoying life all that much.

“You walk in and everyone’s flying. We still do the hard work and everything, but we have a lot of fun along the way. If you’re enjoying it, you don’t really want to give it up.”

Rioli, who is about to begin his fourth season at Punt Road, said earlier this month that he was determined to sign on with an eye to playing with his cousin — potential father-son selection Maurice Rioli Jr.

Richmond football boss Neil Balme described Rioli — who played 12 games last season on his way back from ankle surgery — as “a special player and person”.

“He’s a very talented and hardworking player, and a fantastic young man,” Balme said.

“It’s wonderful to watch him grow and develop, he’s had a great pre-season and we’re excited about his on-field contribution this season.”