Richmond star Dustin Martin has made a successful return as the Tigers beat Geelong by 18 points in their AFL practice match.
Martin played most of the four quarters on Saturday at GMHBA Stadium and while he was understandably rusty at times, still did plenty through the midfield in the 17.8 (110) to 12.20 (92) win.
The match was supposed to go for six 30-minute periods, but the two senior lineups left the field after the first four quarters were done.
They fielded mainly VFL players for the last two periods and Geelong eventually won by five points.
It was Martin's first game since he suffered a serious kidney injury in last year's round-18 win over Brisbane.
"It was good to see him right at the end of the game, still running really well," said Tigers assistant coach Xavier Clarke.
"He played the majority of the time in the midfield ... which I thought was good for him."
Ivan Soldo also returned after missing last season because of a knee injury, while Noah Balta made his first appearance since an ankle injury sidelined him in round 15 last year.
Key forward Tom Lynch returned from a pre-season hamstring injury and kicked three early goals.
Tigers star Shai Bolton lit up the game and also booted three goals.
Former Richmond and Adelaide player Tyson Stengle made an eye-catching debut for the Cats, kicking four goals.
Geelong have thrown Stengle a lifeline after the talented small forward's career was at the crossroads because of off-field incidents.
After missing the finals series last year, Cats best and fairest defender Tom Stewart returned and was solid.
Shaun Higgins had more time in the middle, while captain Joel Selwood spent a lot of time on a half-forward flank.
While Geelong key forwards Jeremy Cameron and Tom Hawkins were always threatening, young Richmond defenders Josh Gibcus and Hugo Ralphsmith showed plenty of potential.
The Tigers were missing Trent Cotchin, Daniel Rioli, Kane Lambert, Jack Graham and new captain Dylan Grimes.
Mitch Duncan, Sam Menegola, Jack Henry and Mark O'Connor were among the Geelong players absent from Saturday's game.
