TYRONE Vickery underwent extensive testing of his brain and heart before being cleared to play in Thursday night's NAB Challenge match against Port Adelaide.

Vision of the Richmond big man in a disoriented state during the Tigers' first NAB Challenge match against Fremantle was cause for plenty of concern.

Despite the football being on the opposite side of the ground at the time, Vickery attempted to mark what he thought was the ball coming at him before falling to the ground.

He was helped from the field shortly afterwards.

"When I went to the club on Monday (after the game) and they outlined all the tests that I'd need to be doing before we can think about playing again, that was quite intimidating," Vickery said at the AFL Players' Association season launch. 

"Ticking them off one-by-one for a week was really tough. It was very mentally draining and a worrying time, particularly for my family and friends at the club."

The 25-year-old is still not sure whether he was experiencing delayed concussion symptoms or whether the warm conditions in Mandurah were a factor in his episode.

"I thought I collapsed and then I remember waking up on the ground," Vickery said.

"It was really tough to see [the vision], particularly for my family and not having those answers initially.

"(Dockers defender) Alex Silvagni was really good in the situation. He helped me up and I remember him actually talking to me telling me that I'll be OK and he was the one who stopped the game."

Meanwhile, Vickery has backed the imminent two-year contract extension set to be handed to coach Damien Hardwick.

AFL.com.au reported on Monday night that Hardwick's new deal would be confirmed before the start of the season.

"It's the right time and he's the right man and I think giving him the security, and taking away any scrutiny is the right thing," Vickery said.

"It's really good news for Damien and the football club."