The Western Bulldogs will bring a famous name back onto an AFL field, with first round draft selection Ed Richards set to make his debut on Sunday against West Coast.

Richards is the grandson of Collingwood legend Ron and grand-nephew of AFL legend Lou, and will play across half-back for the Dogs this weekend.

Richards will replace former Docker Hayden Crozier, who will miss the next month with a knee injury.

The 18-year-old was selected with the 16th pick in last year's draft, and played his first game for the Bulldogs during their AFLX campaign.

He was left out of the Dogs' JLT Community Series matches, but will make his AFL debut this weekend.

He'll share the weekend with Fremantle's Mitch Crowden, who is also set to take the field for the first time in the AFL.

Crowden will debut for the Dockers against Essendon on Saturday night, in Fremantle's first game at Optus Stadium.

The 18-year-old was taken with the 59th pick in last year's national draft, and will debut alongside number five pick Adam Cerra.

"It feels amazing," Crowden told fremantlefc.com.au

"I got the call this morning (from football manager Chris Bond) and kept it together on the phone. Once I got off the phone I must admit I was pretty excited.

"We (Fremantleโ€™s first-year players) were talking a little bit about what Ross said on Tuesday (hinting at two debutants). 

"The whole Wednesday, no one got a phone call, so I wasnโ€™t too sure what was going to happen.

"I woke up this morning and got the call so Iโ€™m pretty thrilled."