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Richmond's hopes of snaring an unlikely AFLW finals berth has been given a boost by Monique Conti's ability to complete a full pre-season.

Richmond captain Katie Brennan says she can't wait to see what cross-code star Monique Conti can achieve this AFLW campaign after finally getting a full pre-season under her belt.

Conti's previous WNBL commitments meant she has never completed an AFLW pre-season before.

Despite that the 22-year-old has already established herself as an out-and-out star during her four seasons in the AFLW, winning a premiership and a best-and-fairest award with the Bulldogs before following it up with two best-and-fairest awards at Richmond.

The two-time All-Australian appears set to take her game to an even higher level this year after putting her full focus into Aussie Rules.

"I've loved watching the evolution and growth of Mon, both as a footballer and more importantly as a person," Brennan said ahead of Friday's season-opener against St Kilda at Skybus Stadium.

"She's had the opportunity to give her all to the program in terms of her energy (this pre-season), not splitting it between basketball and football.

"Getting the load and pre-season in her body and her legs (has been important).

"She's a super talent and she's so young and has such a bright future ahead of her.

"We're super excited to see what she can do for us and the role she can play."

The Tigers were dealt a huge blow earlier this week when 2020 No.1 pick Ellie McKenzie was ruled out of the early stages of the season with a calf injury.

"It is really unfortunate," Brennan said.

"She's a superstar in her own right now and she's going to be something really special in the future."

St Kilda were also dealt pre-season blows.

Two-time best-and-fairest winner Georgia Patrikios is still yet to decide whether to receive the COVID-19 jab and appears set to miss the entire season.

Fellow midfielder Tyanna Smith suffered a season-ending ACL injury to her left knee in November.

Richmond and St Kilda both posted 3-6 records last season and neither side is expected to snare a finals berth this year.

The victor of Friday's season-opener will have the ideal launching pad to prove the doubters wrong.