Ben Cousins is in line for a return to Richmond next week after making an impressive return from injury in the VFL on Saturday.

Cousins lined up with Coburg in his first game in more than a month since he tore a hamstring in the Tigers' round one loss to Carlton.

The veteran midfielder played in 10-minute sectors against the Casey Scorpions and showed no signs of being hampered by the problem.

He worked at full pace and by three-quarter time had notched 22 possessions.

Alongside Cousins for Coburg were fellow midfielder Trent Cotchin, ruckman Troy Simmonds and forward Kane Pettifer, who is working his way back from a knee reconstruction.

Melbourne's No.1 draft pick Jack Watts made a dazzling senior VFL debut for the Scorpions, kicking three goals, including a spectacular shot from an acute angle in the final term.

Small forward Austin Wonaeamirri and Matthew Whelan are also on track to return to Melbourne's side after getting through the match unscathed.

Richmond football manager Ross Monaghan said this week the state of Cousins' recovery after the game would be the key in where he played next weekend.

Cousins' knee was heavily iced when he came off in the last quarter but Tiger officials said it was a purely precautionary measure.

Casey broke away from Coburg after half time to cruise to a 17.13 (115) to 11.7 (73) win.

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