RICHMOND has placed ruckman Shaun Hampson on the long-term injury list due to a lingering back injury.

The Tigers have not nominated a rookie to be elevated to the senior list at this stage leading into the season.

Hampson, 28, has been battling the injury through the pre-season and would not have been fit to play in the early rounds of the home and away season.

The back injury does not require surgery but the Tigers have been deliberately patient with Hampson's recovery over the pre-season.

Sydney recruit Toby Nankervis has stamped himself as the Tigers' No.1 ruckman after impressive performances during the JLT Community Series.

Veteran Ivan Maric may be called on as backup if Nankervis is injured or cannot maintain his form.

Hampson established himself as the club's key ruckman in 2016, averaging 32.6 hit-outs per game.

With the Tigers having two senior list postions available, Jason Castagna, Mabior Chol and Tyson Stengle look to be the leading candidates to be promoted to the senior list.

Castagna, who played five senior games in 2016, appears to be at the head of the queue, with his speed and tackling pressure a feature up forward for Richmond during the JLT Series.