Hamstrung Caddy could get back for R23

Round 21: Hardwick post-matchDamien Hardwick speaks to the media after the Round 21 match against Geelong.

Josh Caddy's day at the Cattery was finished by quarter time

RICHMOND is hopeful of having midfielder Josh Caddy back for the final game of the home and away season after he suffered a left hamstring injury in the opening quarter of the Tigers' 14-point loss to Geelong at Simonds Stadium.

The former Cat kicked the opening goal of the game, but limped from the field late in the first term and went straight to the rooms.

He reappeared after the quarter-time break, but immediately put the tracksuit on and was ruled out for the remainder of the match.

Coach Damien Hardwick was optimistic Caddy would be available for the round 23 clash with St Kilda at the MCG.

"We think it's on the minor end. Obviously scans will verify that but we don't think it's too serious at this stage. Losing him in the first quarter was disappointing, he started off OK. We just hope he gets back within a couple of weeks," Hardwick said.

Regular Cats defender Harry Taylor booted four goals and had the better of triple All Australian Alex Rance.

"Harry was probably the difference today. Rancey had a disappointing day, he's been up for a long time. Sometimes these things happen," Hardwick said.

"Harry had a good day and sometimes champions have a bad day. He had a bad day today, Alex, but he'll bounce back. I've got incredible confidence in him. He'll be disappointed in his performance but he's a professional, he'll get back and play better next week."

Hardwick lamented a loss in the contested possession count by 20, made more disappointing by the Cats missing midfield bull Joel Selwood, who had surgery on his left ankle last Monday.

"The nature of the games down here are highly contested and we didn't hunt the ball anywhere near to the level that we would like," Hardwick said.

Not being accustomed to the ground also contributed to the loss that leaves the Tigers in danger of missing the top four.

It was Richmond's first game at the venue since 2012.

"They obviously play it better, there's no doubt about that. They understand the dimensions of the game. The wind probably added to that as well," Hardwick said.

"Even before the game, we were probably trying to figure out exactly which way it was going. It was blustering both ways. It was like, one quarter we were kicking with it, the next quarter we're still kicking with it. It was a different sort of day, there's no doubt about that."

Hardwick was asked about how the Cats' deck compared to other grounds in terms of giving the home side an edge.

"The home crowd gets behind them. Have a look at the free kick count," Hardwick said after the game.

Geelong won that count 28-17, after leading 20-7 at the main break.

Hardwick was then asked if the count concerned him.

"It is what it is. What I will say is you've got a significant home ground advantage. I understand what Chris (Scott) is saying, I'd be playing as many home games here as I can. It is tough to play," Hardwick said.

"They're an outstanding side, but they're an outstanding side plus when it comes to playing here."

He said crowd noise played a part in whether the whistle was blown, and acknowledged it happened everywhere.

"Absolutely. Our Tiger fans are the same when we get back home. It's the lie of the land," Hardwick said.