The Richmond footballer accused of sharing a photograph of a topless woman wearing his 2017 premiership medallion, has returned home from his post-season trip and now faces a significant sanction from the club.



The player, who has engaged his own legal team, was holidaying in Bali and has now been instructed to further co-operate with AFL and club investigators.

The AFL and Richmond are navigating the complex challenge of punishing the player while working to preserve the woman's anonymity.

Tigers player may be sanctioned over topless photo.

He had previously chosen to remain abroad when the scandal became public and the woman involved told police the photograph was distributed on social media without her knowledge or consent.

Law firm Maurice Blackburn denied any suggestion of a confidential financial settlement between Richmond and the woman.