Richmond AFL player Graham Polak remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital after the AFL defender was hit by a Melbourne tram.

His club released an update on Sunday afternoon, saying Polak remained in an induced coma at The Alfred hospital and his condition was not expected to change overnight.

Polak's mother and three brothers flew from Perth.

"The thoughts of everyone at the club are with his family and partner Alyce at this time," the club statement read.

"The club should be in a position to make a further statement (Monday) but at the moment, Graham's condition is expected to remain unchanged throughout the night.

"Graham has suffered bruising to the brain and is being kept in a medically induced coma."

The statements said the club would not be commenting further until (Monday)."

Polak was crossing the intersection of Orrong and Dandenong roads at Armadale around 11pm (AEST) Saturday when he was hit.

Team mates Cleve Hughes and Jordan McMahon were with Polak at the time.

Earlier Richmond club doctor Greg Hickey said at a media conference that Polak would be in hospital "for some time".

Hickey said Polak's condition had improved overnight and he was trying to move his limbs.

"The latest scan, which was done not that long ago, show there hasn't been any significant change in the situation," Hickey said.

That there had been no extra swelling was an encouraging sign.

Although Polak's condition is improving, he will not play again this season and there are serious concerns for his playing future.

"In terms of footy, it is unquestionable. He won't play this season - longer term beyond that, we'll just have to wait and see," Hickey said.

"He's certainly been moving all his limbs, which is a good sign.

"It's not like there are signs he is paralysed in any of his limbs. Probably the hardest thing to gauge at this stage is more his intellectual recovery, whether he will regain that - time will tell."

Richmond football manager Greg Miller said it was unclear if alcohol played a role in the accident.

"I'm unaware of that, it's not a concern for us at the moment," he said.

Polak has played 11 games for Richmond this season for a career total of 106 and was part of the team who lost to Carlton at the MCG.

Tiger veteran Matthew Richardson said: "It's a shock, but I don't know any details at this stage".

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