Richmond assistant coach Brian Royal expects star forward Nathan Brown to be watched closely after his impressive return from long-term injury last weekend.

Brown booted three goals and was instrumental in the Tigers' breakthrough victory over Melbourne at the MCG last Friday night.

With the Saints awaiting Richmond at Telstra Dome on Saturday night, the silky-skilled forward has been warned a tight tag is coming.

"He'll play a little bit longer tomorrow night and hopefully he can have the same success as he did last week," Royal said as the Tigers trained at Punt Road on Friday.

"Certainly he's going to get a bit of attention from the opposition, we know that, but I am sure he will handle himself fine."

Steven Baker or the improving Jayden Attard are among the contenders for the job on Brown.

Royal is confident Brown will be able to share his time between midfield and forward when he regains match fitness.

"I think as his fitness becomes greater there will be opportunities to play higher up the ground and at times pinch-hit in the midfield," he said.

Brown pulled up well from his first senior match for the season, according to Royal, but opted for goal-kicking practice as the team went through its paces on Friday.

The Saints have had the wood over the Tigers of late and head into Saturday night as warm favourites after defeating West Coast at Subiaco last Sunday.

"There's no doubt it (St Kilda's dominance over Richmond) is a motivating factor and they have touched us up a few times over the last two or three years," Royal said.

"It's just important if we can continue to play the footy we did last week, particularly the defensive aspects we showed against Melbourne, I have no doubt we'll be a strong threat to St Kilda."

Important big man Troy Simmonds did little at training on Friday morning but Royal declared him a certain starter.

Shane Edwards has also been included with Andrew Krakouer (ankle) and Cleve Hughes out.