PREMIERSHIP duo Nick Vlastuin and Josh Caddy will miss Tuesday night's Anzac Day Eve clash against Melbourne after failing to train on Monday.
The Tigers will make at least three changes for the blockbuster at the MCG with Nathan Broad almost a certainty to face the Demons in what will be his first AFL game since last year's Grand Final triumph.
Vlastuin and Caddy were notable absentees at Punt Road while Broad – who was suspended by the club for the opening three rounds - trained strongly after being left out of the Tigers' VFL team that defeated the Casey Demons on Sunday.
The Tigers will lose at least three premiership players for the game given youngster Jack Graham is serving a one-match suspension.
"Unfortunately, Nick and Josh won't make it for the game; they're a little bit short at the moment," coach Damien Hardwick said on Monday.
"We've got some replacements ready to go for those boys.
"It's disappointing but that's the nature of our game. You lose a couple and you bring a couple in.
"We've got some players who have been in great form in the VFL. While it's disappointing to lose Jack, we're happy with the replacements we're going to bring in."
It is believed Vlastuin, who was scheduled to play his 100th game this week, has a calf issue that stems back to the Tigers' big win over Brisbane nine days ago.
Mystery surrounds Caddy's absence from the half-hour session. The former Cat had 16 touches against the Lions after returning from a one-week suspension.
Sam Lloyd and Jack Higgins were also part of the squad of 22 that trained on Monday after sitting out the club's VFL win.
Higgins looks set to play his second AFL game after his exuberant debut in round three. The big stage (an 87,000-plus crowd is predicted) is sure to suit Higgins' temperament.
"He's one of those players, isn't he?" Hardwick said.
"He takes great delight in everything he does at the footy club and he'll be one of those players who'll certainly be in contention this afternoon when we have match committee."
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-04-23/star-tigers-in-doubt-for-anzac-day-eve-clash