Second-year Richmond players Jack Higgins and Noah Balta have been named in the VFL Tigers’ line-up to face Sandringham on Saturday afternoon.
The Tigers will head to Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval, Sandringham to challenge the Zebras at 2.10pm in Round 13.
WHAT'S YOUR FINAL 5? Attend any five of our last seven games at the 'G
The clash will be Jack Higgins’ first appearance in Richmond’s VFL side, while Balta returns for his second VFL game this year.
The inclusion of defender Ryan Garthwaite is also set to give the ladder-leading Tigers a boost, as he drops down to the VFL side following six consecutive senior games.
With Richmond’s final AFL side to face St Kilda on Sunday yet to be confirmed, the trio will be joined by a number of additional AFL players, which could include Jayden Short and Shai Bolton.
Out of the side that defeated Coburg by 84 points are Oleg Markov (suspended) and Reuben Hayward.
Well-rested from their bye week, the VFL Tigers, who defeated the Zebras by 66 points last time they met, will look to continue the momentum they’ve established so far this year.
Richmond VFL coach Craig McRae spoke to 3WBC on Monday night, praising the intent and professionalism within his side.
“I’ve never seen a group train so hard, their standards are unbelievable, and I’m just in awe watching these guys prepare every week,” McRae said.
“We’ve had a terrific start to the season, there’s no doubting that.
“Our AFL-VFL connection is as good as we’ve had it at our Club in the years I’ve been involved.”
The VFL game will be live streamed via the VFL website here and on the VFL App.
Tiger fans can follow live updates from Sandringham via the Richmond VFL Twitter and Instagram accounts.
VFL Round 13 team
Richmond vs. Sandringham
Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval, Sandringham
2:10pm
B: 38. N. Balta, 53. H. Beasley, 43. D. Eggmolesse-Smith
HB: 51. S. Morris, 42. R. Garthwaite, 15. J. Short
C: 61. J. Fletcher, 26. R. Collier-Dawkins, 64. T. Silvestro
HF: 39. J. Aarts, 79. W. Coates, 56. B. Grewar
F: 29. S. Bolton, 54. J. Ballard, 21. J. Townsend
R: 40. C. Coleman-Jones, 16. M. Weller, 13. J. Higgins
Int: 78. D. Coffield, 67. B. Credlin, 69. L. Diggins, 58. C. Harris, 59. L. Haysman,
72. B. Lambert, 52. S. Mannagh, 62. L. Nelson, 55. L. Street, 60. C. Thompson
23P: 71. N. Baltas
In: Balta, Morris, Garthwaite, Short, Higgins, Diggins, Haysman, Baltas
Out: Markov, Hayward