Young Richmond ruckman Ivan Soldo’s steadily rising form graph has led to him being named to make his senior debut with the Tigers against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium this Saturday night.

Soldo’s development in the ruck at VFL level, since being signed by Richmond as a Category B rookie three years ago, has been significant, according to Tigers coach Damien Hardwick.

“I don’t know that you’re ever ready when you come in for your first AFL game, but he’s improved every year he’s been here, nearly every game he’s been here, and we like his exuberance,” Hardwick said.

“He probably didn’t have his best game on the weekend (against Port Melbourne), but his form over the previous month had been pretty good.

“We’ll back him in . . .”

Ivan Soldo at Richmond training on Friday morning