Tigers' Foley set to return in VFL Richmond onballer Nathan Foley is on the verge of returning to the VFL, further boosting the AFL club's playing depth. Foley, one of the Tigers' top midfielders, has not played since the middle of last season because of an Achilles tendon injury. "Nathan will play his first game, barring any setback, next week - which is very exciting," said coach Damien Hardwick. He's flying at the moment. Tigers defender David Astbury will also resume in the VFL after recovering from a foot injury. With players such as Chris Knights, Matt Dea and Brad Helbig showing solid VFL form, there is plenty of pressure on teammates to hold their AFL places. If Richmond beat the Western Bulldogs this Sunday, it will give them three wins and their best start to a season since 1995. It's a great point ... do you keep rewarding the side that wins or do you keep refreshing the guys who are actually playing well at the lower level? Hardwick said. A couple of those questions will be answered (in match committee). We'll certainly work our way through a few situations ... there will be some tough questions asked. While the Tigers have started the season well, they are well off top form and Hardwick said last weekend he would only give them a maximum of seven out of 10 for the wins over Carlton and St Kilda. He said ball movement and defensive pressure were two specific areas where they needed to improve. Hardwick also noted the Bulldogs nearly beat them in the last game of the pre-season. "The Bulldogs have probably caught a few people unawares, how well they are actually playing," he said. Their uncontested ball and clearance numbers are very good - up there in the top three. Richmond shut down St Kilda's small forwards last Friday and Hardwick said that would be crucial again on Sunday. He noted Robert Murphy, Daniel Giansiracusa and Luke Dahlhaus will keep Richmond's defence busy. "It's a key to them winning the game," he said.