GILT-EDGED Richmond recruit Tom Lynch continues to show steady progress from knee surgery as he pushes to be part of the Tigers' round one plans. 

Lynch delighted Richmond fans at their open training session at Punt Road on Saturday morning, taking part in on-the-move kicking drills where he ran freely without hitting full stride.

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He was also a gentle participant in football exercises with his fellow forwards that involved some change of direction.

The ex-Gold Coast co-captain, who underwent a PCL operation on his right knee in July before minor clean-up surgery in November, still looks some way from graduating to full training.

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However, Lynch's training efforts vindicate Tigers football boss Neil Balme's prediction that the star key forward was on track to play in the season-opener.

Richmond's round one clash with Carlton on Thursday, March 21 is almost seven weeks away.

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Balme told AFL.com.au he was hopeful Lynch would play in the club's second JLT Community Series match against Hawthorn at Launceston on March 9.

"The fact Tom joined in some of the drills at our (Gold Coast) camp (in January) was good, and again today," Balme said.

"You can imagine how relatively conservative the conditioning guys are with guys like him – there is no rush.

"It's progressive, but he hasn't done any contested work and we have no idea (when he will) until that all pans out. 

"He won't play in our first JLT game, but will he be OK for the next one? 

"We're hoping so, but that is totally determined by how they objectively judge how he's going. But we're really pleased so far."

Lynch finished Saturday's session with some brief lap running at low intensity.

Others who were limited included Jacob Townsend (corked thigh), who did some straight-line running, and fellow 2017 premiership player Shaun Grigg and Ryan Garthwaite (Achilles), who ran laps together. 

Jack Graham completed some drills with his teammates before stepping out to do some resistance work with a trainer as he recovers from a left shoulder reconstruction.

A high ankle sprain is still limiting Jason Castagna, but Balme said the injury was not a concern.

Dylan Grimes remains in a protective face mask after breaking his nose in January, but it is having no impact on his training output.

There were plenty of stars for the Tiger faithful to watch, with Brownlow medallists Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin and All Australians Jack Riewoldt and Alex Rance among the full participants.

Martin was in cruise mode for much of the session, but both he and Cotchin were in a playful mood as they celebrated kicking goals.