Richmond has recalled premiership defenders Nick Vlastuin and Bachar Houli, along with exciting, young small forward Shai Bolton, for Saturday night’s match against Greater Western Sydney at Spotless Stadium.

Vlastuin is back in the line-up after serving a one-match suspension that forced him to miss last Friday night’s victory over Adelaide at the MCG, Houli has recovered from the groin complaint that’s sidelined him since Round 10, while Bolton has been included for just his third senior game this season.

Get all the game day information for Saturday night's match against GWS

They replace injured trio Dan Butler, Jack Graham and Nathan Broad.

Bolton, whose last AFL appearance was in Round 2 against the Crows at Adelaide Oval, has been in fine form at VFL level.

He had a major impact for the VFL Tigers in their victory over Essendon at Windy Hill last Sunday, with 22 disposals, seven inside-50s, eight tackles and a trademark brilliant goal, prompting coach Craig McRae to make the following comments about him in his player report on richmondfc.com.au earlier this week . . .

See GWS's team for Saturday night's Round 17 clash 

“He’s really setting the game alight at the moment. Some real highlights, kicking a really awesome goal late in the game. Having eight tackles was a real feature of his performance. He played midfield, wing and also forward late in the game, so he’s ready to play AFL footy when the opportunity presents.”

Richmond’s four emergencies for the Round 17 clash with GWS are Connor Menadue, Liam Baker, Kamdyn McIntosh and Callum Coleman-Jones.