RUCKMAN Toby Nankervis is a certain starter for Richmond's clash with Carlton on Sunday as the Tigers eye a return for captain Trent Cotchin next week.

FULL INJURY LIST Who's ruled out and who's a test?

Nankervis will join rising star contender Sydney Stack in resuming against the Blues at the MCG, with the Tigers looking to extend their winning streak to seven.

Cotchin will miss his second straight match with his third hamstring setback of the season, and is set for a big session on Sunday morning to prove his fitness to face West Coast in round 22. 

Trent Cotchin was injured in Richmond's round 19 victory over Collingwood. Picture: AFL Photos

"I think he's highly likely to play next week," coach Damien Hardwick said before training on Friday.

"If he hadn't had the previous history, he'd be playing this week, but we'll always be more conservative with those type of guys."

Hardwick stopped short of confirming a debut for Marlion Pickett, with the mid-season draftee added to the squad to face the Blues after just one VFL match.

"He looked a player last week at VFL level, just did some things (where) you look at him and go 'Gee this kid can play'," Hardwick said.

"We haven't trained this week so we're not quite sure how the side's going to line up at this stage, he's probably a small chance of playing."

If he hadn't had the previous history, he'd be playing this week, but we'll always be more conservative with those type of guys - Damien Hardwick on Trent Cotchin

Nankervis will play his first match since round eight following an adductor injury, Hardwick hinting that the premiership big man could pair with incumbent ruckman Ivan Soldo on Sunday. 

"That's a decision we'll make this afternoon," he said.

"We've got the three big boys in the squad (Nankervis, Soldo and Mabior Chol) and I think it will eventually come down to a ruck by committee.

"At some stages we'll go with 'Mabes', other stages we'll go with 'Nank' and other stages we'll go with Soldo. Two of the three will probably play from here on in."

With two confirmed changes, the Tigers will be forced to drop a second player after out-of-contract small forward Dan Butler was dumped after just one match back.

Kamdyn McIntosh and Jack Ross joined Stack, Nankervis and Pickett in the squad.

The Tigers will dedicate Sunday's match to the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, and donated $10,000 on Friday morning to assist in the fight against cyberbullying for children.

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