Win or lose, Richmond coach Damien Hardwick expects some St Kilda stars to hand his young side an AFL lesson at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.

The Tigers have been buoyed by their drought-breaking win over Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium last weekend, their first victory under Hardwick.

But, while delighted for his players, the coach said that performance meant little as a form guide given the incredibly wet conditions in Adelaide, which forced the game plan "out the window".

He said the coaching staff had moved quickly to bring the jubilant players back to earth ahead of their clash with a club who have won their past 11 meetings.

"All we're looking forward to this weekend is another huge challenge versus the Saints," Hardwick said.

"They are a very, very good side and they've probably started to bounce back a little bit without (Nick) Riewoldt there, they're starting to find their feet.

"So it's going to be a good challenge for us, our blokes are going to play on some very good players, which is another learning experience for them."

Hardwick said his club's promising young midfielders in particular would benefit from facing some of the competition's cream.

The Tigers will be without two of their more experienced centre square players, with Nathan Foley to miss another game with an ankle injury, while Daniel Jackson serves the final game of a suspension.

It means the likes of Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin and Shane Edwards will go head-to-head with some star opponents.

"Whether Dusty goes to Lenny Hayes or Brendon Goddard or (Leigh) Montagna, I'm not sure, but it just gives them a great opportunity to learn from good players," Hardwick said.

"That's what we go into every game striving for and hopefully come out on top in that area."

Hardwick said the Friday night spotlight would also be useful experience for his players, in what is their sole appearance in that slot this season.

The match will be a farewell for 31-year-old ruckman Troy Simmonds, retiring after what will be 197 matches with Melbourne, Fremantle and Richmond.

Hardwick said the players were keen to send him off well.

"It's always an emotional occasion when a guy finishes up after close to 200 games," Hardwick said.

"Troy's very well regarded, very well respected in our footy club so hopefully he can go off with a win.

Along with Simmonds' inclusion, at the expense of Graham Polak, the Tigers lost defender Kelvin Moore to injury, replaced by Will Thursfield.

Jarryn Geary replaced injured Saints defender Zac Dawson.

Hardwick said Foley should be back next round against West Coast, along with Jackson, while running defender Daniel Connors will also be available then after completing an eight-game club-imposed suspension.

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