Richmond coach Damien Hardwick believes Ben Nason's likely return for Saturday's clash with Collingwood will help to compensate for the absence of the suspended Trent Cotchin.
But, according to Hardwick, defender Will Thursfield will need to pass a fitness test in order to line up against the Magpies.
Thursfield was concussed in the Tigers' 50-point loss to the Kangaroos last weekend, while first-year midfielder Nason has recovered from general soreness that kept him out of action in Round 16.
Hardwick said his young squad is unperturbed by the challenge of taking on the rampant Pies, rating the Tigers a 'fair chance' to cause an upset despite a clear mismatch on paper.
"Talent alone is not going to get you over the line," he said before training at Punt Rd on Thursday.
"We play a system of football that we think gives us a chance."
"That system broke down last week obviously, but from our point-of-view if we get that system right and a couple of things stick in place we reckon we're a fair chance of winning."
"(Collingwood) are a great side and they're in terrific form sitting on top of the ladder, so it's a great challenge for our young group and we're looking forward to it."
If the Tigers are to win they'll need to find a way to quell Dane Swan's influence.
The prolific ball-winner is in stellar form, averaging 31 possessions a game this season, and Hardwick indicated Tigers young gun Dustin Martin might get the job early.
"As funny as it is, I think (Swan's) almost untaggable," Hardwick said.
"Even when you tag him he still gets 30 (possessions)."
"Look, he's a terrific player and a guy that seems to be getting better every year, so from our point of view it'll just be a huge challenge for whoever picks him up."