Richmond has named its starting 22 for Saturday night's blockbuster Dreamtime at the 'G match against Essendon.

Co-captain Toby Nankervis will make his return to the line-up following ankle surgery on a syndesmosis injury after Round 4.

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The three-time premiership ruckman said he was ready to go.

"I (wouldn't) play unless I'm absolutely right and in a position where I can play my best footy," Nankervis said when speaking to the media on Thursday afternoon at the MCG.

Also coming back into the side is young midfielder Thomson Dow, who has been recalled for his first senior appearance of the year.

The 21-year-old has been a standout in his five VFL outings this season, averaging 24 disposals, seven clearances and three tackles per game.

The two inclusions replace Jacob Hopper, who will miss the clash through injury and Ben Miller, who has been omitted. Judson Clarke, last week's activated substitute, hasn't been named in the starting line-up.

Clarke, alongside Miller, have been named as emergencies, alongside Tyler Sonsie and Sam Banks.

The Tigers will confirm which player steps into the 23 to be the substitute 60 minutes before the opening bounce.

Nankervis said he was pleased to see the team play consistent footy over four quarters in recent weeks and was excited to get back out there himself.

"I think over the course of the year, we've seen patches of our best footy that we know stacks up against anyone," he said.

"But over the past fortnight, it's just about being able to play four quarters of footy and it's exciting to watch.

"Friday night (Round 9 v Geelong) was an unbelievable night of footy for both sides, and it's great seeing the ledger start to go our way a bit."

The Tigers will wear their 2023 Dreamtime guernsey for the annual clash, this year designed by assistant coach Xavier Clarke and his family.

Richmond VFL will take on Essendon on Saturday afternoon in a curtain-raiser at the MCG, kicking off at 2.35pm. Anyone with a ticket to the Dreamtime at the 'G match will also be able to attend the VFL clash for free. 

Five Tigers, Rhyan Mansell, Tim Taranto, Samson Ryan, Hugo Ralphsmith and Dow, will play in their first Dreamtime game.

Reliable defender Nick Vlastuin will notch up his 200th AFL game on Saturday night, while electric midfielder-forward Shai Bolton will play his 100th. 

The big game kicks off at 7.40pm can be viewed live on Channel 7, FOX FOOTY and Kayo Sports.

Round 10, Richmond v Essendon, Saturday, May 20, 7:40pm (AEST), MCG
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In: Toby Nankervis, Thomson Dow
Out: Jacob Hopper (calf), Judson Clarke (sub), Ben Miller (omitted) 

Milestone: Nick Vlastuin (200 AFL games), Shai Bolton (100 AFL games)