Star Richmond recruit Tom Lynch remains hopeful of playing in round one of the AFL season after ramping up his training loads.

Lynch, who underwent knee surgery in July, will miss both of the Tigers’ pre-season games but hopes to be available to face Carlton on March 21.

“I’m not sure at the moment but I’ll be very close if I miss out. I’m planning for that so hopefully I’ll be out there,” Lynch told reporters in Albury.