Richmond has included experienced key pair Brett Deledio and Ivan Maric in its extended 25-man squad for Sunday night’s big Anzac eve clash with Melbourne at the MCG.
Neither Deledio nor Maric has played a senior game this season because of injury. Deledio has been battling a nagging quad complaint, while back trouble had grounded Maric.
See Melbourne's extended squad for Sunday night's game
The Tigers will have their final training session of the week on Saturday morning, with Deledio likely to be given until then to show he is ready to resume playing.
Maric, however, was declared a certain starter by coach Damien Hardwick during his press conference at Punt Road earlier today.
The spirited ruckman had a couple of games at VFL level in a bid to gain valuable match practice, after being sidelined through the NAB Challenge pre-season series.
Tenacious midfielder Anthony Miles also has been named in Richmond’s squad, following his omission from the team that lost to West Coast by 68 points at Domain Stadium last Friday night.
Get all the match day information for Sunday night's Anzac Eve clash with Melbourne
Miles strongly staked his claim for a senior return, picking up 30 disposals, including 19 contested possessions, plus 12 tackles in the VFL Tigers’ big win against Footscray last Saturday.
There are two other additions to the Richmond squad, with defenders Jake Batchelor and Steven Morris being called up.
The two outs at this stage are Nick Vlastuin, who has a leg injury, and Andrew Moore, who has been omitted.
The team will be finalised tomorrow (Friday) afternoon.
Tigers to wear Anzac guernsey on Sunday night
The Round 5 Richmond squad
B: Astbury, Rance, B. Ellis
HB: Deledio, Houli, C. Ellis
C: Grigg, McIntosh, Menadue
HF: Lambert, Martin, Rioli
F: Riewoldt, Lloyd, Vickery
R: Hampson, Edwards, Cotchin
IC from: Batchelor, Chaplin, Hunt, Lennon, Maric, Miles, Morris
In: Deledio, Batchelor, Maric, Miles, Morris
Out: Vlastuin (injured – leg), Moore
