The former Castlemaine star’s chances of winning a second Brownlow Medal remain alive despite making contact with umpire Jacob Mollison while trying to explain a free that he had conceded.

Umpire contact has been a hot topic this season, with Carlton brothers Ed and Charlie Curnow, Gold Coast's Steven May, West Coast's Willie Rioli and Geelong's Tom Hawkins all charged.

Meanwhile, the AFL bye has come at a perfect time for Richmond and Geelong, with several players on the verge of returns.

The Tigers and Cats will have the week off after Richmond beat Geelong on Sunday by 18 points in a pulsating clash at the MCG.

Geelong's Lincoln McCarthy suffered a hamstring injury, while Richmond small forward Daniel Rioli made a successful comeback.

He had been out of action since breaking his foot in last year's grand final.

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick is bullish about their playing stocks, saying premiership trio Dion Prestia, Bachar Houli and David Astbury will all return soon.

Astbury missed Sunday's game because of an ankle injury, while Prestia has not played since round seven because of a calf problem.

Houli has not played since late last month due to a groin complaint.

Geelong coach Chris Scott confirmed that Harry Taylor, Lachie Henderson, Daniel Menzel, Cam Guthrie (ankle) and Scott Selwood are all making solid progress.

Henderson (knee) is yet to play a senior game this season.

A foot injury has restricted Taylor to just four senior games this year, while Selwood has not played in the seniors since round seven.

Menzel was outstanding in the opening five rounds, kicking 15 goals, but a groin injury has sidelined him since.

Guthrie needed surgery in early April, derailing the first half of his season.

"We're certainly not going to rely on personnel coming back by itself," coach Chris Scott said of Geelong's impending returns.

"I think that potentially could help us, but sometimes it's a mistake thinking that guys who have missed 14-15 weeks can come back in and help you straight away,.

"So there's going to be some thinking and some planning that needs to be done to integrate those guys back into the team."

After their week off, Richmond will open round 15 on June 28 with a Thursday night blockbuster against Sydney at Etihad Stadium.

Geelong will resume the following night at the same venue against the Western Bulldogs.

- AAP