Richmond forward Tom Lynch "can't take a trick", after suffering a concussion during the club's match simulation on Friday.
The two-time premiership player has entered the AFL's concussion protocols after the incident, which left him stumbling off Punt Road Oval.
Teammates and staff were concerned and rushed to help Lynch off.
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Lynch has played just eight games in the past two years, as he has dealt with foot and hamstring troubles.
He had been training with confidence so far in early 2025, until the heavy knock that will see him monitored and away from contact training for at least 12 days.
Tom Lynch of the Tigers has been training strongly in the pre season. Getty
Tigers assistant coach Steve Morris provided clarity around Lynch's condition and plans to return before the season begins.
"'Lynchy' can't take a trick, he's entered concussion protocols," Morris told media on Friday.
"He's had an outstanding probably eight weeks of training, he's firing on all cylinders."
Tom Lynch stumbled off the Punt Road training track after a heavy knock. Twitter
Morris admitted it's "a bit sad" to see the 220-gamer setback yet again.
"I found myself on the bump bag – unfortunately – a few times and just he's just training with some real purpose," Morris said of Lynch's standards this pre season.
"So it's a bit of a speed bump for him, but he's in really good nick and hope to see him back in in the really near future."
Richmond play Carlton in round one at the MCG, on Thursday 13 March.
