Richmond forward Troy Taylor has returned home to Alice Springs, rather than join his AFL teammates in pre-season training.

The 19-year-old played four matches in his debut season this year after being picked up at No.51 in last November's national draft.

But the Tigers said on Wednesday he was currently not training with the club for undisclosed personal reasons, although they were hoping he would soon return.

"The club is aware that Troy has some personal issues he is dealing with at the moment," Richmond football general manager Craig Cameron said.

"We have been in constant contact with Troy and his family while he works through those issues.

"We are hopeful that Troy will return to the club in the near future and we will continue to support him through this period."

Taylor pleaded guilty to two counts of assault in Alice Springs in August, relating to an altercation which occurred last New Year's Eve.

He was handed a suspended two-and-a-half month jail sentence and placed on a two-year good behaviour bond.

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