Ruckman Ivan Soldo ready to launch Richmond Tigers' title defence

So much so, the Richmond Tigers' premiership winning ruckman said "excited" nine times in an interview with The Canberra Times this week.

How does he feel about restarting the AFL? Excited. What about defending Richmond's premiership? Excited. The thought of playing Collingwood at an empty stadium? Excited.

Soldo is bursting for a chance to run back onto the MCG when Richmond resume their 2020 campaign against the Magpies on Thursday night.

"I think it's like another round one. There's a little bit of a build up so the excitement is definitely there, but it's enjoyable as well to be the first to play after this lockdown period," Soldo said.

"It's been a pretty weird pre-season period so I'm pretty keen to get out and play again. Everyone is excited from all parts of Australia."

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The Tigers will take only one ruckman into the round-two clash, with Soldo winning the selection battle over teammate Toby Nankervis.

Damien Hardwick played the premiership-winning pair in round-one against Carlton, but the shortened quarters has selectors leaning towards more explosive players.

It means grand-final debutant Marlion Pickett could have a crack at All-Australian Brodie Grundy, but Soldo has experience taking on the star Magpie.

Soldo and Mabior Chol limited Grundy to nine disposals when they met in round nine last year, the lowest possession tally he's recorded since 2016.

The Canberra-product admits he would prefer to play with two ruckmen, but is prepared to step up without the height advantage.

"I'm fine. I mean coming off last year, I got to play some more senior footy. I'm just happy to playing for points this time around, it really doesn't affect me who I'm going up against," Soldo said.

"The way I play my game doesn't really change. Although he's a very important player for Collingwood and one of the best ruckmen in the competition, he's someone you have to respect and play your best against."

Collingwood will resume their 2020 campaign without American giant Mason Cox, who is still on the comeback trail from a knee injury.

Darcy Cameron has been brought in to make his Collingwood debut and will support Grundy in the ruck.

Richmond on the otherhand has returned from the coronavirus-forced break relatively unscathed, with only Noah Cumberland ruled out for their title defence with an ACL injury.

The Tigers are on the hunt for a third premiership in four years and for Soldo, this one will mean more given they'll have to be the best to overcome the season's disruption.

"To win it now would be pretty impressive regardless if there'll be an asterisk," Soldo said.

"I think it's going to be a difficult situation for anyone but this year is still going ahead which we're all grateful for. We're all here to win, we're not here to not play.

"We're all fit and firing [for Thursday], everyone is putting their hands up to play which is pretty good for this time of year."