Richmond will welcome back important defender Nick Vlastuin for Saturday afternoon's clash with Adelaide at Adelaide Oval. 

The triple-premiership Tiger returns for his first appearance of 2022 after missing the opening month of the season with a hamstring injury.

He'll add vital experience to Richmond's young backline, particularly with co-captain Dylan Grimes still unavailable due to injury. 

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Speaking to the media on Thursday morning, coach Damien Hardwick said the 27-year-old was "one of those players that make those around him better". 

"Players walk a little bit taller with him in the side because of the way he goes about it," he said.

"We've got a relatively inexperienced defence that is growing week by week and players like Nick help that.

"He's such an important player to the way we play the game and when he's playing his best footy generally we're having a good run. Hopefully we can keep him on the park for the rest of the year."

Promising midfielder Jack Ross, who was last week's unused medical substitute, has been recalled for his fourth senior outing of the season after being omitted last week against the Bulldogs.

The two inclusions replace first-year Tiger Joshua Gibcus, who is being managed, and wingman Kamdyn McIntosh, who will miss through AFL Health and Safety Protocols.

Richmond's four emergencies for the clash are Bigoa Nyuon, Ivan Soldo, Jake Aarts and Rhyan Mansell. 

The Club will confirm which player steps into the 23 to serve as the medical substitute 60 minutes before the game.

Hardwick said he expected a "tough contest on (Adelaide's) home deck". 

"They've got a really definable style of play that they're trying to implement and they're doing it well. They've got some great young players that have stepped in and are playing some good roles," he said.

"They play that ground pretty well so it's going to be a challenge, but if we bring our best form of defence hopefully it takes away their offence."

Saturday's game at Adelaide Oval will commence at 4.35pm AEDT (4.05pm ACST) and be broadcast live on Fox Footy and Kayo.

Richmond team v Adelaide, Saturday, April 16, 4.35pm AEDT (4.05pm ACST), Adelaide Oval
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In: Nick Vlastuin, Jack Ross

Out: Joshua Gibcus (managed), Kamdyn McIntosh (Health and Safety Protocols)