Jake Aarts will make his long-awaited AFL debut this Sunday against Melbourne at the MCG.

The tenacious small forward, 177cm and 75kg, was placed on Richmond’s rookie list at the end of 2018 after playing in the VFL for six years (Bendigo 2013-2014, Richmond 2015-2018).

Aarts, who was the Tigers’ second carryover emergency in Round 4, has been a consistent performer in Richmond’s recent scratch matches.

The hard-working, high-pressure 25-year-old will be the Tigers' first debutant of 2020.

Speaking to Richmond Media last weekend, VFL and development coach Xavier Clarke said he was impressed with Aarts' showing in the three quarters of game time he played in the scratch match win against St Kilda.

"(Jake)'s in good form. His ability to get up and down the ground and work hard are his biggest strengths. He sees the game well and was rewarded with two goals."