Richmond has recalled four Tiger cubs for Sunday afternoon's match against Collingwood at the MCG.
Sydney Stack, Daniel Rioli, Rhyan Mansell and Ryan Garthwaite will all make their return to the senior side for the clash between traditional rivals.
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All four were strong performers at VFL level last weekend, particularly Stack (29 disposals, four tackles and six rebound-50s), who will play his first senior game since Round 13, 2020.
Speaking to the media on Friday morning, coach Damien Hardwick said he had been impressed with the 21-year-old's return to form.
"He's really impressive, how he's gone about it," Hardwick said.
"Obviously he started a little bit behind the eight-ball, but his fitness has really picked up and he's starting to see the form that we know Sydney can play with."
Rioli is back in the line-up for his first AFL outing since Round 13 earlier this year, after being trialled in a new role off half-back at VFL level for the past three weeks.
"We spoke three or four weeks ago about how sometimes you have to go one step back to go two steps forward, and he's been really impressive off half-back," Hardwick said.
"He's really excited by the challenge, as are we."
Key Tiger tall Garthwaite has been recalled for his first AFL game since Round 13, 2019 following strong form at both ends of ground in the lower level, while Mansell is back for his eighth senior outing this year after being omitted last week against Gold Coast.
They replace Nick Vlastuin (knee), Shane Edwards (ankle), Bachar Houli (ankle) and Callum Coleman-Jones (calf), who will all miss the game through injury, and Jack Ross, who has been omitted.
Toby Nankervis was listed in the Tigers' 26-man squad on Thursday night, but won't make his return from injury this weekend with the Club taking a cautious approach with the key ruckman.
Samson Ryan has been named as an emergency in place of Nankervis in the squad, alongside Will Martyn, Matt Parker and Ross.
The Club will confirm which player steps into the 23 to serve as the medical substitute 60 minutes before the game.
Sunday's match will mark triple premiership defender Dave Astbury’s 150-match at AFL level.
The twilight clash will be broadcast live on Fox Footy and Kayo Sports, with the first bounce set for 4.10pm.
The VFL Tigers will face the Magpies in a curtain-raiser at the Swinburne Centre beforehand, kicking off at 12.00pm.
Richmond team v Collingwood, Sunday, July 11, 4:10pm AEST, MCG
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Backs |
Ryan Garthwaite |
42 |
David Astbury |
12 |
Dylan Grimes |
2 |
Half-Backs |
Jayden Short |
15 |
Sydney Stack |
44 |
Rhyan Mansell |
31 |
Centreline |
Kamdyn McIntosh |
33 |
Trent Cotchin |
9 |
Marlion Pickett |
50 |
Half-Forwards |
Jason Castagna |
11 |
Liam Baker |
7 |
Jake Aarts |
16 |
Forwards |
Tom Lynch |
19 |
Dustin Martin |
4 |
Jack Riewoldt |
8 |
Followers |
Mabior Chol |
41 |
Thomson Dow |
27 |
Shai Bolton |
29 |
Interchange |
Daniel Rioli |
17 |
Riley Collier-Dawkins |
26 |
Patrick Naish |
6 |
|
Jack Graham |
34 |
|
|
|
|
Emergencies
|
Will Martyn |
36 |
Matt Parker |
37 |
Jack Ross |
5 |
Samson Ryan |
32 |
|
|
|
|
In: Daniel Rioli, Rhyan Mansell, Ryan Garthwaite, Sydney Stack
Out: Nick Vlastuin (injured - knee), Jack Ross (omitted), Shane Edwards (injured - ankle), Bachar Houli (injured - ankle), Callum Coleman-Jones (injured - calf)
Milestone: David Astbury - 150 games
Round 17 Game Day Hub
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