Richmond big guns on verge of return after injuries

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.