The Tigers lost four games of their first six this year, to the Western Bulldogs, West Coast, Geelong and North Melbourne, but reached the finals despite the difficult beginning.

They also had a slow start to the 2014 season, improving when finals neared.

Former Greater Western Sydney midfielder Adam Treloar caused controversy recently when he said he had chosen to move to Collingwood, rather than the Tigers, because he thought the Pies had a better playing list.

Deledio brushed off the remark, saying Treloar had probably gotten nervous when speaking in front of a group of journalists with cameras and microphones.

He was looking forward to playing Collingwood, Deledio said.

"It just makes round two pretty interesting," he said.

The Richmond vice-captain said recruits Chris Yarran, Andrew Moore and Jacob Townsend brought stronger bodies to the Tigers' line-up.

Deledio missed three games early in the 2015 season with a hurt Achilles and calf, but was injury-free at the start of the new pre-season.

He spent most of his two months away from football with wife Katie and their baby daughter Milla, born in July.

"It's like going back to school.  You have all that time off over Chrissie, I've had all my bags packed my clothes laid out, ready to go," he said.

"I'm a bit nervous, a bit excited, I've met the new kids already."

Alex Rance was taking an extended break for personal reasons and had not yet returned to the club, Deledio said.

Draftee Daniel Rioli was completing his schooling but would be at the club soon.