In adversity, Richmond coach Damien Hardwick sees opportunity.
Hardwick admits he didn't have many magnets with player names to throw around his selection whiteboard for Friday night's clash against Sydney.
Hardwick has 13 players including star forward Tom Lynch (foot) and co-captain Toby Nankervis (ankle) sidelined by injury.
But he's excited by the chance that presents for a batch of Tiger cubs to show their wares against the Swans.
"There weren't too many magnets to throw around to be honest with you," Hardwick said entering the Gather Round fixture at Adelaide Oval.
"It's a rotten run of luck with the significant long-term injuries as well.
"But what it does do is provide opportunities for other players and see those guys step up.
"A guy like Samson Ryan has been waiting for his opportunities for two or three years and he gets an opportunity, a guy like Ben Miller comes in for another opportunity to hold down the number one ruck spot.
"So we're really excited to see what those guys can offer.
"The great thing about AFL is it's a challenge every week."
Miller and key forward Jack Riewoldt return to a Richmond side to cover injured trio Lynch, who will miss three months after foot surgery, Nankervis and Jack Graham (hamstring).
But the Swans also have their own injury problems, with four players ruled out by injury - Lance Franklin, Dane Rampe, Paddy McCartin and his brother Tom McCartin.
Sydney coach John Longmire summoned Corey Warner, Hayden McLean and Matt Roberts as replacements for an Adelaide Oval encounter that represents an early season flashpoint for both clubs.
The Swans (two wins, two losses) hold sixth spot but have been inconsistent, though Hardwick and his 12th-placed Tigers (one win, a draw and two defeats) remain wary of last year's beaten grand finalists.
"They're a really, really good side and they're going to be one of the sides challenging for top four, no question ... and we will treat them as such," Hardwick said.
"They're probably a little like us, not playing their best footy at the moment, but we know what they're capable of."
