Richmond veteran Matthew Richardson should return to playing football next weekend as he tries to return to the AFL before the end of the season.

Richardson needed hamstring tendon surgery after the round-six loss to Sydney and is about a fortnight ahead of schedule in his recovery.

His brother-in-law and Richmond caretaker coach Jade Rawlings said the Tigers would decide on Monday where Richardson resumes - at VFL side Coburg, the Coburg reserves or straight into the AFL side.

"He's great, we had a meeting the other day and he said 'I just want to play footy ... with what's happened around the place, I'd probably feel a bit weird if I came straight back in," Rawlings said.

"That will be our decision, we'll work out what's best for him and the team.

"I would have thought at this stage it would be Coburg."

Richardson, Ben Cousins, Nathan Brown, Joel Bowden and Troy Simmonds are all Richmond players who have turned 30.

The Tigers will have to decide on all five at the end of the season.

Richardson is the league's most popular player and if he can prove his fitness and wants to keep going, the Tigers will most likely let him.

Cousins had 31 disposals in Sunday's five-point win over Essendon and, as Rawlings pointed out, he played a pivotal role.

Again, as it stands now, he will probably continue next year.

Brown returned from injury to kick a goal and have 13 possessions against the Bombers, while Bowden is in the VFL and Simmonds is recovering from a groin problem.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP