Richmond star Matthew Richardson hopes to return sooner from injury soon than expected so he can play in the AFL under his brother-in-law, new Tigers coach Jade Rawlings.

A hamstring tendon injury has kept Richardson sidelined since round six, but he said on Saturday night he had resumed running and was now focused on returning by round 19.

"It's a bit earlier than I first thought," he told the pre-game function before the Tigers played West Coast.

Richardson has always been intent on playing again in 2009 and doing so would allow him to play for Rawlings, who will serve as caretaker coach for the remainder of the season following Terry Wallace's departure.

Richardson said Rawlings deserved the chance and would be "fantastic" in the role and was unfazed at the prospect at wearing a spray from the man married to his sister.

"I've already copped plenty of sprays off him so that won't be a problem," Richardson said.

"He's coached the forward line for two years, so I've probably been his No.1 frustration."

Rawlings, 31, is making his AFL coaching debut against the Eagles and Tigers president Gary March said the club was thrilled to give a young man the chance to prove his worth.

"We were very pleased to give Jade that opportunity and I think he'll acquit himself very well throughout the year," he said.

March also paid tribute to former captain Kane Johnson, who announced his retirement during the week.

Johnson played 116 games for Richmond, after 104 for Adelaide before that, and led the Tigers from 2005-08, but did not play this season because of injury.

March said Johnson would work as a development coach for the remainder of 2009 and was hopeful he would stay at Punt Road as he was a potential senior coach of the future.

"He's got Richmond's interests at heart and I think he's an outstanding teacher for young boys," he said.

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