Richmond caretaker coach Andrew McQualter insists Marlion Pickett doesn't need to address Tigers teammates in relation to facing a Perth court.
Pickett was granted bail on Monday after appearing on 12 charges, including four counts of aggravated burglary, three counts of stealing and three counts of criminal damage.
The 31-year-old resumed training with Tigers teammates at Punt Rd on Thursday, but has not been selected for the clash with St Kilda on Saturday night.
McQualter confirmed the dual premiership star will be free to return against Brisbane in round 16, after the Tigers' bye.
"He's a resilient guy," McQualter told reporters on Friday.
"He's been through a lot in his life, Marlion. We thought this week was appropriate just to give him the time off, but he'll be fine."
McQualter dismissed suggestions Richmond are sweeping the Pickett situation under the rug but said the utility will not be required to explain himself to his teammates.
"He doesn't need to address our group," McQualter said.
"We love Marlion, we look after him and we understand what he's about."
McQualter echoed Tigers veteran Trent Cotchin's sentiments in saying the club will continue to support Pickett.
"We've just thrown our arms around him this week and welcomed him back to the club on Thursday," McQualter said.
"We love Marlion in our team. It's been a big week for him emotionally, but we'll just continue to support him."
Speaking on Thursday ahead of his 300th AFL game, triple-premiership captain Cotchin said Pickett remains an important part of the Richmond set-up.
"What he brings is really special from a leadership point of view, not just with our Indigenous boys but our whole group," Cotchin said.
"Knowing the person that Marlion is, he'll stay strong and we'll be right behind him."
