Tigers youngster Jack Higgins is set to make his AFL return against Collingwood on Thursday night.

The 21-year old has not played senior footy since halfway the 2019 season due to two bouts of brain surgery.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Richmond coach Damien Hardwick confirmed Higgins would run out for the club in tomorrow night's blockbuster season reopener.

โ€œItโ€™s a great story. Heโ€™ll play tomorrow night so it will be his first game back obviously since that significant injury last year,โ€ Hardwick said.

โ€œItโ€™s a testament to the lad. His professionalism and his dedication to his craft is incredible.โ€

Hardwick also confirmed that star defender Bachar Houli would come into the side.