BEN COUSINS is back.

After five weeks on the sidelines, Cousins proved his fitness last week with Coburg in the VFL and has been promoted for his second game for the Tigers as they prepare to take on the Brisbane Lions at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

Richmond will be hoping this match proves more productive than Cousins' debut against Carlton in round one, when he was forced from the field early in the last term with a torn hamstring.

Cousins played 238 matches for West Coast before parting ways with that club and served a year's suspension from the competition. But Richmond snapped him up with 2008's last draft pick.

Following a successful VFL outing, Richmond saw reason to instantly recall him.

"We were really pleased with his form last week with Coburg, and the approach he took into that game was terrific," football manager Ross Monaghan told richmondfc.com.au.

"His recovery has been excellent, he trained well during the week and we're pleased to have him back in the team."

Joining Cousins back at the top level are Nathan Brown and Troy Simmonds, while Matthew Richardson is out after his hamstring tendon operation.

Jordan McMahon and Mitch Morton have been dropped.

"Nathan has come up really well after a couple of weeks' rest and recovery, and Troy gives us some extra height and versatility to match up on the Brisbane talls," Monaghan said.