Richmond have been handed a big problem and spared another sizeable one by the AFL match review panel ahead of Saturday night's clash with Hawthorn.

The suspension of Luke McGuane means the Tigers will be without their best three key defenders against a team with two of the best marking forwards in the competition.

With Alex Rance also suspended and Kelvin Moore yet to recover from a hip complaint, the twin threat of Lance Franklin and Jarryd Roughead looms even larger than usual.

That will be giving the Richmond brains trust some sleepless nights.

But it's balanced by the Hawks' decision to accept the one-match ban dished out to Cyril Rioli for his love tap on Melbourne's Nathan Jones.

Rioli had tormented the Demons both in the midfield and when resting up forward in Sunday's 45-point triumph.

"Absolutely (it's good news)," said Richmond star Brett Deledio when informed on Tuesday that Rioli would be sidelined for the match at the MCG.

"He's a star.

"That's just someone else we don't have to lock away.

"It's bad news for him, but it is good news for us."

The Tigers' match committee will now turn their attention to finding appropriate opponents for Franklin and Roughead, after McGuane accepted a two-week ban for a head-high hit on Saints midfielder Farren Ray.

Second-year player David Astbury will almost certainly retain his spot at centre half-back despite struggling at times in the Tigers' opening two games against Carlton and St Kilda, which ended in a dramatic draw.

Will Thursfield is likely to replace McGuane for his first game of the season.

The Tigers offered the 25-year-old Thursfield up for trade last year, but there were no takers.

Young key backs David Gourdis (three games) and Dylan Grimes (one game) will also be considered for promotion.

Deledio played one of his best games for the Tigers in the draw against St Kilda, dominating his head-to-head battle with another former No.1 draft pick, Brendon Goddard.

Deledio looked rejuvenated at being giving the chance to spend more time in the midfield, rather than playing the rebounding role off halfback.

"It was interesting playing on one of the best in the competition," said Deledio.

"You learn a few things - where he positions himself, how hard he works, how strong he is, especially when he's playing out of full-forward."

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