AS RICHMOND prepares to celebrate Dreamtime at the 'G against Essendon and the contribution the indigenous have made to the sport, the Tigers are working to help one of their own preserve his football career.

Troy Taylor, 19, returned to the Northern Territory for personal reasons in March and is unlikely to rejoin the Tigers this year. He played four matches in his debut season last year. But he continued to struggle to adjust to life in Melbourne and the commitment required to be an AFL player.

While his mother wants him to pursue his football career, the lure of friends at home in Alice Springs remains strong.

The Tigers are keen for him to remain in a football environment, provided he is also, and perhaps play with the Northern Territory Thunder in the North East Australian Football League in a bid to ensure his talent is not wasted.

''We are working with the key people from Darwin to help support Troy,'' Tigers general manager of football Craig Cameron said last night. ''Part of that support involves speaking to the AFL to request they allow Troy to play in another competition which we think would be an important outcome for him in the short term.''

As Taylor remains on the Tigers' list, he will need approval from the AFL to play elsewhere. He is out of contract at the end of the year.

Tigers coach Damien Hardwick said motivation was the primary issue for Taylor. ''Troy has to make a decision whether he wants to commit to AFL footy,'' he said.

Of more immediate concern to Hardwick is toppling the Bombers tomorrow. The Tigers last night made three changes, with Mitch Farmer and ruckman Andrew Browne named to play their first matches of the season, while Shane Tuck returns from a rib injury.

Shane Edwards could not be considered because of a fractured cheekbone.