Richmond ruckman Samson Ryan will make his senior debut against St Kilda on Friday night at the MCG.
The Brisbane Lions Academy product was selected with Pick 40 in last December's 2020 AFL National Draft.
The 20-year-old has played six games for Richmond's VFL side this year, with his best outing coming against the Lions in May when he kicked four goals from four marks.
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The lifelong Richmond fan has not only impressed head coach Damien Hardwick, but also his fellow VFL teammates - including the side's playing assistant coach and 87-game Tiger Steve Morris.
"The big fella had his work cut out against a really experienced ruckman on the weekend without 'Marbs' and 'CJ' alongside him," Morris toldย the club's website.
"It was a great opportunity for him to gain experience and grow as a player.
"He competed hard as highlighted by his 30 hit-outs, but will be working on his technique in the contest after giving away a few free kicks."
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Ryan will be Richmond's fifth senior debutant this season, after Rhyan Mansell, Will Martyn, Riley Collier-Dawkins and Hugo Ralphsmith.
Having trialled Mabior Chol and Callum Coleman-Jones in the ruck, Richmond will hope the 206 cm Ryan can fill the shoes of injured rucks Toby Nankervis and Ivan Soldo.
Taking into account the inclusion of Ryan and the impressive goal-kicking form of Coleman-Jones, it is hard to see how Chol keeps his spot in the side after a humbling battle against Nic Naitanui a fortnight ago.
In other selection news for the Tigers, midfielder Dion Prestia (hamstring) and key position back David Astbury (Achilles) were both listed as 'probable' in Richmond's injury report this week and look set to return.
