Recently upgraded rookie Matt Thomas has been selected to play his first game for the 2015 season, against the Gold Coast this Sunday.
Thomas was one of three confirmed changes to the Tigers’ line up for Sunday’s Round 20 clash, with Brett Deledio returning after a week out through illness, while Steve Morris has been recalled.
Thomas has been one of Richmond’s best performers in the VFLK over the last two months, after injuries hampered his first half of the season.
In the last five full games he has played (he suffered concussion early in the Round 14 game against Port Adelaide), he has averaged 29 disposals, seven clearances and 8.5 tackles per game.
His form led to him being upgraded to the senior playing list on July 9.
Morris is back in the seniors after spending the last four weeks at VFL level. The 26-year-old played the first 12 games of the season in the AFL.
Missing from last week’s AFL team are injured duo Reece Conca and Dylan Grimes (both hamstrings) and ruckman Shaun Hampson, who has been omitted.
The emergencies are Matt Dea, Nathan Gordon and Liam McBean.
Trent Cotchin and Ivan Maric will play their 150th AFL games, while Shaun Grigg will wear the Tiger colours for the 100th time.
Richmond’s VFL team will play Coburg this Sunday at the ME Centre. Live video coverage will be provided at richmondfc.com.au
Round 20 Richmond team
B: Newman, Batchelor, Rance
HB: Houli, Vlastuin, Chaplin
C: Ellis, Cotchin, McIntosh
HF: Martin, Lennon, Lambert
F: Riewoldt, Deledio, Vickery
R: Maric, Grigg, Hunt
IC: Morris, Miles, Lloyd, Thomas
Emg: Dea, Gordon, McBean
In: Deledio, Thomas, Morris
Out: Grimes (inj – hamstring), Conca (inj – hamstring), Hampson (omitted)
Find out how Gold Coast is lining up for Round 20 this weekend
