Talented, young Tiger Nathan Drummond will play his first senior league game for 15 months after being selected in the Richmond side to take on triple reigning premier Hawthorn at the MCG this Sunday.

Drummond ruptured the anterior cruciate in his right knee during his debut AFL appearance against Melbourne at the MCG in Round 4 of the 2015 season and was sidelined up until a few weeks ago, when he returned to the playing field with the Tigers’ VFL side.

“He’s one of these players underneath the iceberg that we talk about,” said Richmond coach Damien Hardwick.

See the Hawthorn team for Sunday afternoon's clash at the MCG

“His form at VFL level has been good and his training form’s been outstanding.

“He’s an incredible athlete . . . We’re looking forward to seeing what he can do . . .”

Drummond’s inclusion is one of two changes the Tigers have made for the game, with Reece Conca also being recalled to the line-up.

Out of the side goes vice-captain Brett Deledio, who has a calf injury, while Connor Menadue has been omitted.

Richmond’s three emergencies for the match are Menadue, Ben Lennon and Kane Lambert.

Get all the match day information for Sunday afternoon's clash against Hawthorn at the MCG 

The Round 18 Richmond team

B: Rance, Astbury, Grimes
HB: Short, Hunt, B. Ellis
C: Edwards, Miles, Cotchin
HF: Martin, Rioli, Markov
F: Riewoldt, Lloyd, McBean
R: Griffiths, Grigg, Vlastuin
IC: Drummond, Castagna, Conca, Hampson
Em: Lennon, Lambert, Menadue

In: Conca, Drummond
Out: Deledio (calf), Menadue