FORMER Richmond star Brett Deledio can expect a hostile reaction from fans when he takes the field in Saturday's preliminary final against Greater Western Sydney says Tiger recruit Josh Caddy.

Deledio requested a trade from the Tigers during last year's trade period after 243 games and two best and fairests at Richmond despite having a year remaining on his contract.

The Tigers netted a future first and third round draft pick in the trade but agreed to pay a portion of Deledio's contract during 2017.

Now the 30-year-old finds himself pitted against his former club in a preliminary final after being part of the Giants win over West Coast's in Saturday's semi-final.

It was Deledio's first finals win in five attempts and set up a clash with his old club.

"The Tigers supporters loved him but I'm sure they will be right off him this weekend," Caddy told Channel 7's Gameday.

Deledio is not the only former player up against old teammates during the preliminary final with Geelong's Patrick Dangerfield playing against his former club when the Cats take on the Crows on Friday night.

Caddy, who joined Richmond from Geelong during last year's trade period and was part of the Tigers' win over his former club in the qualifying final last week, said he suspected it would be difficult for Deledio.

"It's amazing how footy works out. I'm sure Brett is still happy he is playing in a preliminary final but it would be mixed emotions for him for sure," Caddy said.

A fan favourite, Deledio played in 110 wins and 128 losses for Richmond after the club used its No.1 pick at the 2004 NAB AFL Draft to recruit him.

He struggled with a calf injury in the first half of the season but has slotted into the Giants line-up at the end of the season and played off a half back flank against West Coast.