Update: Richmond train-on player Lauren Caruso will make her AFLW debut on Saturday night at Ikon Park.

Twenty-three-year-old Caruso was a pivotal member of Port Melbourne's premiership-winning VFLW side.

The midfielder was unanimously voted the winner of the Lisa Hardeman Medal for best on ground in the Grand Final, and was also crowned as the Club's Best and Fairest winner for 2023. 

She replaces Caitlin Greiser (thumb) in the Tigers' line-up, with Shannon Danckert added to the squad as an emergency.

Richmond will be boosted by the return of three key Tigers for Saturday night's Dreamtime clash against Essendon at Ikon Park.

Ruck Gabby Seymour, defender Rebecca Miller and midfielder Sarah Hosking all return for the marquee match.

Seymour was managed in last Sunday's game against Gold Coast, while Miller and Hosking are back from respective finger and hamstring injuries.

They replace Meagan Kiely and train-on player Shannon Danckert, both omitted, as well as Beth Lynch, who will miss the game due to suspension.

Kiely and Danckert are emergencies for the clash, alongside train-on player Lauren Caruso.

Speaking to the media at the Swinburne Centre on Thursday afternoon, skipper Katie Brennan said it was "huge advantage" to have the trio return.

"They're three of our leaders coming in, which is huge for us across all lines," Brennan said.

"Bec is a general down back, her leadership down there is first-class, and Sarah and Gabby in the middle, they really set the tone for us."

Brennan said it was "a privilege and a great honour" to be part of the annual Dreamtime clash.

"We're absolutely pumped, it's going to be an amazing occasion," she said.

"We've also got our own Stephy Williams, who was our first Indigenous player to design the guernsey this year, and such traditions and family history has gone into this design.

"It's been such a great process to learn more about her story and culture and tradition."

After two tough losses in a row against Fremantle and Gold Coast, Brennan said the Tigers were hungry to get back on the winners' list this weekend. 

"Essendon are in red-hot form," she said.

"It's going to take our very best to compete with them during the process of the game, and that's what we're looking to do, to really compete in every moment."

Three Tigers will play their 25th AFLW game on Saturday night, Libby Graham, Courtney Jones and Poppy Kelly.

Dreamtime at Ikon kicks off at 7.20pm and will be broadcast live 7plus, 7mate, Fox Footy, Kayo and the AFLW Official App.

Round 7, Richmond v Essendon, Saturday, October 14, 7.20pm AEST, Ikon Park (Swipe across on mobile)

In: Sarah Hosking, Gabby Seymour, Bec Miller
Out: Meagan Kiely, Shannon Danckert, Beth Lynch

Milestones: Libby Graham (25 AFLW games), Courtney Jones (25 AFLW games), Poppy Kelly (25 AFLW games)