Moore, who has not played at AFL level since the final home-and-away round of the 2010 season, will line up with the Tigers against the Gold Coast Suns at Cairns’ Cazalys Stadium in Saturday’s important Round 16 encounter.
It’s a remarkable comeback by Moore, given the severity of the hip injury he has endured.
The 28-year-old has undergone numerous operations on his hip over the past couple of years in a determined bid to keep his 84-game league career at Tigerland afloat.
At one stage, he was told by surgeons it was unlikely he would ever play again.
Defying the odds, however, Moore returned to the playing field several weeks ago, firstly with Coburg’s Development team, before progressing through to the VFL seniors.
Now, with a few games under his belt, the dependable defender has capped his comeback with selection in Richmond’s side for Saturday’s match.
“It’s a fantastic story, Kel,” said Richmond’s coach Damien Hardwick.
“When the surgeon saw his hips, he likened it to a car-crash accident . . .
“It was doubtful if he’d actually play footy again, not only at AFL level, so we’re really pleased to have him back.
“He’s such an enormous character of our footy club, and one the guys love playing with.”
Moore replaces Matthew White, who received a three-match suspension from the AFL’s Match Review Panel early this week, in the only change to the Richmond line-up for the clash with Gold Coast.
The Tigers’ three emergencies are Angus Graham, Jeromey Webberley and Brad Miller.
