Richmond has confirmed its line-up for Saturday night’s clash with GWS at Marvel Stadium.
Dylan Grimes has completed the mandatory 12-day concussion period and will be a welcome addition to the Tigers’ backline, joining debutant Hugo Ralphsmith as Richmond's inclusions.
Second-year Tiger Ralphsmith earned his debut following a standout performance in Richmond’s most recent VFL match, collecting 19 disposals and seven inside-50s.
He'll be the Tigers' fourth debutant of the season.
Speaking to the media on Friday morning, senior coach Damien Hardwick said he was looking forward to seeing the exciting youngster in action at the highest level.
"We didn’t get an opportunity to really see him last year, (but) we saw in the scrimmages he moved and covered the ground very well," Hardwick said.
"He’s a great kick of the ball, he finds the ball well, he’s a good mark for his size.
"He’ll play a little bit forward, a little bit on the wing. We’re really excited about what he’s going to bring to the table."
Patrick Naish also moves into the starting line-up after being injected into Richmond’s past two games as the medical substitute.
Following a "disappointing" second half in last weekend’s loss to Geelong, Hardwick said the Tigers were "after a response in the early stages" this week.
"We’ll always continue to back in the way we play. We know it holds us in good stead," Hardwick said.
Out of the side that was defeated by the Cats in Round 8 is Jack Ross, who has been omitted, and injured duo Shane Edwards and Shai Bolton.
Ross has been named as an emergency for the clash, alongside Josh Caddy, Callum Coleman-Jones and Maurice Rioli Junior.
Richmond will confirm which player steps into the 23 to serve as the medical substitute 60 minutes before the game.
Saturday night's match will mark star Tiger Bachar Houli’s 200-game milestone with the Club.
A crucial contributor for Richmond across his 11 seasons at the club, the triple premiership defender and 2019 All-Australian has averaged 22.6 disposals per game throughout his time at Tigerland.
The game will be broadcast live on FOX FOOTY and Kayo, with the first bounce set for 7.25pm.
Game Day Hub
Everything you need to know ahead of Saturday night's Round 9 clash against Greater Western Sydney.
FIND OUT MORERichmond team v GWS, Saturday, May 15, 7.25pm AEST, Marvel Stadium
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Backs |
David Astbury |
12 |
Nick Vlastuin |
1 |
Dylan Grimes |
2 |
Half-Backs |
Nathan Broad |
35 |
Bachar Houli |
14 |
Jayden Short |
15 |
Centreline |
Kamdyn McIntosh |
33 |
Riley Collier-Dawkins |
26 |
Patrick Naish |
6 |
Half-Forwards |
Daniel Rioli |
17 |
Hugo Ralphsmith |
45 |
Jake Aarts |
16 |
Forwards |
Tom Lynch |
19 |
Dustin Martin |
4 |
Jack Riewoldt |
8 |
Followers |
Toby Nankervis |
25 |
Liam Baker |
7 |
Jack Graham |
34 |
Interchange From: |
Rhyan Mansell |
31 |
Marlion Pickett |
50 |
Jason Castagna |
11 |
|
Noah Balta |
21 |
|
|
|
|
Emergencies |
Josh Caddy |
22 |
Jack Ross |
5 |
Callum Coleman-Jones |
40 |
|
Maurice Rioli Jr |
49 |
|
|
|
|
In: Dylan Grimes, Hugo Ralphsmith
Out: Jack Ross (omitted), Shane Edwards (ankle), Shai Bolton (wrist)
New: Hugo Ralphsmith (East Brighton (Vic)/Haileybury College (Vic)/Sandringham U18)
Milestone: Bachar Houli – 200 club games