Richmond has named talented, young, defender/midfielder, Nathan Drummond, in its 25-player squad for Sunday’s clash with Hawthorn at the MCG.
Drummond, 21, hasn’t played at AFL level since making his senior debut with the Tigers in Round 4 of the 2015 season against Melbourne.
Unfortunately, he ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the second quarter of that match and was sidelined up until a few weeks ago, when he returned to the playing field with Richmond’s VFL side.
See the Hawthorn squad for Sunday afternoon's clash at the MCG
“He’s one of these players underneath the iceberg that we talk about,” said Richmond coach Damien Hardwick.
“It’s not guaranteed he’s playing at the moment . . . but 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 at some stage.”
Another promising, young Tiger also is in line for a senior return, with Ben Lennon being selected in the Round 18 squad.
Get all the match day information for Sunday afternoon's clash against Hawthorn at the MCG
Lennon, 21, played two games early this season (Round 3 v Adelaide and Round 4 v West Coast), before suffering a couple of bouts of concussion and then sustaining a shoulder injury.
Richmond also has added versatile midfielders Reece Conca and Kane Lambert to its squad for the match against the triple reigning premier.
The only out at this stage is the Tigers’ vice-captain Brett Deledio, who has a calf injury.
Richmond will finalise its team tomorrow (Friday) afternoon.
The Round 18 Richmond squad
B: Rance, Astbury, Grimes
HB: Lambert, Hunt, B. Ellis
C: Edwards, Miles, Cotchin
HF: Martin, Rioli, Markov
F: Riewoldt, Lloyd, McBean
R: Griffiths, Grigg, Vlastuin
IC from: Menadue, Castagna, Short, Hampson, Conca, Drummond, Lennon
In: Lennon, Lambert, Conca, Drummond
Out: Deledio (calf)
