Richmond has made four changes to its side for Sunday’s match against Melbourne at the MCG. 

Tenacious small forward Jake Aarts will make his long-awaited debut. 

The high-pressure 25-year-old, who was placed on Richmond’s rookie list at the end of 2018 after playing in the VFL for six years, will be the Tigers’ first debutant of 2020.

Speaking to Richmond Media on Friday, Aarts said all the years of hard work were worth it to finally get his chance at the highest level. 

"To finally get my opportunity to play with some really good mates, and for the club that I grew up barracking for, it’s pretty special," he said.

"It’s been a big journey and I’m looking forward to it."

Ruckman/forward Mabior Chol comes into the side for his first AFL game of the year, after playing a starring role in Richmond’s scratch match win over St Kilda last weekend, booting five goals.

Exciting young tall Noah Balta, who has also showcased impressive recent form in the reserves, has been recalled for his first 2020 outing in place of injured David Astbury.

Livewire forward Daniel Rioli returns to the side after missing out on Round 4 selection. 

Out of the side that lost to St Kilda last weekend are Astbury (knee), Jack Ross (omitted), Shai Bolton (omitted) and Sydney Stack (omitted). 

Richmond’s four emergencies for the Demons clash are Bolton, Ross, Jack Graham and Marlion Pickett.

Two-time premiership midfielder Kane Lambert will notch up his 100^th game in the Yellow and Black on Sunday. 

It will also be the Tigers’ last match in Melbourne before they head to a hub in Queensland.

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Richmond’s Round 5 team

B Nick Vlastuin, Dylan Grimes, Noah Balta
HB Bachar Houli, Nathan Broad, Jayden Short
C Kamdyn McIntosh, Dion Prestia, Josh Caddy
HF Jack Higgins, Shane Edwards, Jason Castagna
F Tom Lynch, Dustin Martin, Jack Riewoldt
Foll Toby Nankervis, Trent Cotchin, Kane Lambert
I/C Daniel Rioli, Liam Baker, Jake Aarts, Mabior Chol                                            
Emg Shai Bolton, Jack Graham, Marlion Pickett, Jack Ross  

In: Daniel Rioli, Noah Balta, Jake Aarts, Mabior Chol            

Out: Jack Ross (omitted), David Astbury (knee), Shai Bolton (omitted) Sydney Stack (omitted)

New: Jake Aarts (Beaconsfield (Vic)/Bendigo (VFL)/Richmond (VFL))

Milestone: Kane Lambert (100 AFL games)