Round 4 Richmond Team
B: Astbury, Batchelor, Rance
HB: Houli, Vlastuin, Drummond
C: B. Ellis, Cotchin, McIntosh
HF: Morris, Edwards, Miles
F: Riewoldt, Lloyd, Griffiths
R: Maric, Martin, Hunt
IC: Grigg, Arnot, McDonough, Gordon
Em: Vickery, Lennon, Elton
In: McDonough, Drummond, Arnot
Out: Newman (back), Knights (hamstring), Chaplin (calf)
New: Nathan Drummond, 20, 182cm, 86kg, from Shepparton Bears/Murray U18
To view the current odds as well Sportsbet.com.au’s ‘Lead at any break’ promotion, click here (18+)
Richmond’s third pick (No. 52 overall) in the 2014 National Draft, Nathan Drummond, will make his AFL debut with the Tigers in Friday night’s big Anzac Day eve match against Melbourne at the MCG.
Drummond, 20, won the best and fairest at TAC Cup team the Murray Bushrangers last year and also played three VFL games for Richmond in 2014.
See how Melbourne is lining up in Round 4 this weekend
He was a standout performer at the AFL’s Draft Combine at the end of last year, ranking top five in the 3km time trial, beep test, clean hands, repeat spring tests, kicking and goalkicking categories.
“’Drummo’ comes off some good form in the VFL,” said Richmond assistant coach Brendon Lade.
“He could play half-back, half-forward, and a bit of on-ball for us.
“We’re excited about what he can do. He’s lightning quick, can run all day and normally uses the ball pretty well.
“We look forward to his run on Friday night.”
Richmond also has elevated tough midfielder Matt Arnot from the rookie list to the primary playing list, and brought him straight into the senior side for tomorrow night’s match.
Arnot has been upgraded as a replacement for Ricky Petterd, who has been placed on the Club’s long-term injury list after undergoing foot surgery.
The Tigers delisted Arnot at the end of last season, but subsequently redrafted him as a rookie.
He has shown solid form in the VFL, which has led to him receiving another opportunity at AFL level.
The 21-year-old managed just four senior appearances with the Tigers last year, to take his overall AFL games tally to eight.
“He brings a bit of toughness for us,” Lade said.
“He’ll play a little bit of that high-forward role and a little bit of midfield.
“We look forward to seeing what he can do on Friday night.”
Richmond has included another youngster in its line-up for the Round 4 clash with the Demons – 21-year-old Matt McDonough, who hasn’t played senior football with the Tigers since Round 12 of the 2014 season.
McDonough has played eight senior league games all-up.
“Matty’s been playing good football in the VFL,” Lade said.
“He can play a variety of roles, forward and midfield, so we’re looking forward to him coming in.”
Out of the Richmond side that defeated Brisbane by 79 points at the Gabba last Saturday night are injured trio Chris Newman (back), Troy Chaplin (calf) and Chris Knights (hamstring).
The Tigers’ three emergencies for the Round 4 game are Ty Vickery, Ben Lennon and Todd Elton.
