Star rebounding defender Bachar Houli will make his return to the field for Richmond in Saturday night’s Dreamtime in Darwin match against Essendon.

Houli has been named in the Tigers’ side for the first time since the Round 5 win over Melbourne at the MCG.

“He’s trained really, really well. His vibrancy on the track has been noticeable and he just gives us a different skill set out of that back half. We’ll welcome him back with open arms,” Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said about Houli on Thursday morning.

The 32-year-old dual premiership player completed his quarantine period after arriving on the Gold Coast, having initially remained in Victoria following the birth of his and wife Rouba’s third child.

Nathan Broad is the sole omission from the Tigers’ team that defeated Gold Coast by 21 points at the Gabba on Monday night.

Richmond’s four emergencies for Saturday night’s match are Broad, Jack Ross, Jack Higgins and Thomson Dow.

The showpiece of Sir Doug Nicholls Round, Dreamtime in Darwin will be broadcast live on Channel 7 and Fox Footy, with the first bounce at TIO Stadium set for 7.45pm (AEST).

Richmond's Round 13 team:

B Bachar Houli, Dylan Grimes, Noah Balta
HB Oleg Markov, Nick Vlastuin, Jayden Short
C Kamdyn McIntosh, Jack Graham, Marlion Pickett
HF Kane Lambert, Jake Aarts, Tom Lynch
F Jason Castagna, Dustin Martin, Jack Riewoldt
Foll Ivan Soldo, Trent Cotchin, Shai Bolton
I/C Liam Baker, Daniel Rioli, Mabior Chol, Sydney Stack
Emg Jack Ross, Jack Higgins, Nathan Broad, Thomson Dow

In: Bachar Houli
Out: Nathan Broad (omitted)

Milestone: Kamdyn McIntosh - 100 AFL games