Rance on AFL comeback trail for Tigers

Mar 1, 2017 - 4:32 AM Richmond star defender Alex Rance is slated to make his AFL return but will still be managed ahead of round one.

The three-time All-Australian's hamstring issue has kept him out of the pre-season competition.

Rance was held out of last week's trial against Adelaide but coach Damien Hardwick said he was a certain inclusion for Sunday's game against Port Adelaide in Mount Gambier.

He will play reduced game time as he continues to build up his fitness ahead of the Tigers' season-opener on March 23 against Carlton.

"Absolutely ... provided there's no training mishap this week, he'll play minutes this week," Hardwick told the AFL website.

"We've got a certain amount we like to get through with players coming back from a hamstring injury and he was just shy of that.

"He'll be available to play and he'll be a welcome addition."

Defender Bachar Houli (hamstring) is unlikely to return until the Tigers' final pre-season game on March 11 against Collingwood but Hardwick says he isn't overly concerned about the persistent niggle.

Steven Morris (knee) and Jack Graham (hamstring) have been ruled out of round one, while Shaun Hampson (back) is also in some doubt.

Meanwhile, star midfielder Dustin Martin appears to be firming to resist the lure of free agency and stay at Richmond.

Fox Sports has reported the Tigers have offered Martin a multi-year deal worth close to $800,000 a season.

Martin is a restricted free agent at the end of this season, meaning the Tigers can match any bid for the in-demand onballer.

Source: AAP