Reece Conca’s troublesome hamstrings will keep him out of the AFL for the first two months of the season.
The onballer has emerged as the most-severe casualty from Richmond’s disastrous NAB Challenge loss to Port Adelaide last Thursday night at Etihad Stadium.
His hamstring injury is worse than first thought and the Tigers have ruled him out for 10 weeks.
On Wednesday, Richmond fitness boss Peter Burge told the club website that the injury was high on his right hamstring, meaning a longer recovery.
Conca suffered three hamstring injuries last year and only managed three games.
“It’s on the side that he hasn’t hurt before, so we start the rehab process and look forward to getting him back as soon as we can,” Burge said.
In better news for Richmond, Shane Edwards is on track for the round-one blockbuster against Carlton after hurting his left shoulder against the Power.
Shaun Grigg suffered a thumb injury that needed surgery and is tipped to return in round two.