Emerging Richmond key defender David Astbury will make his long-awaited return from injury this weekend.

Astbury suffered a dislocated kneecap – the second of his career - in Round 9 against Melbourne, and after another extended recovery, he is ready to return to the field.

In the eight games he played to kick off the 2014 season, the 23-year-old was one of Richmond’s best performers, holding down a key defensive post and averaging a career-high 13.5 disposals.

Astbury is likely to play reduced game time, in the Tigers’ final VFL game of the season, against Footscray this Sunday at the ME Bank Centre from 1pm.

Meanwhile, the 2014 season has come to an unfortunate end for Chris Knights, who suffered a quad injury in the VFL last Saturday.

Knights had been reaching top form in the state league after he returned from a long-term knee injury.

Tigers’ midfielder Reece Conca is available for selection, after serving his two-match suspension.