Dion Prestia and Tylar Young will make their long-awaited comebacks in tomorrow night’s VFL Dreamtime clash against Essendon. 

Prestia hasn’t played since the final round of the 2024 AFL season, while Young returns from an ACL injury that has kept him out since late May last year. 

Richmond AFL coach Adem Yze explained how the Club has a strong plan in place for Prestia’s return to play, one that the three-time premiership Tiger has embraced.

"There always is, with the talent he's got and the leadership he provides," Yze said of the temptation to bring Prestia straight back into the AFL.

"Last year, you could see how important he was when he came in and we probably did it the wrong way and he missed six weeks. We've got to learn from that.

"If he gets through, he'll be available the week after. We're playing the long game with him.

"I'm not sure the last time he's played VFL, but he's bought into that.

“He's going to play half a game over three quarters in the VFL. It’s exciting.”

Joining Prestia and Young as inclusions in the side for Saturday’s clash are Sean Lai, Austin Johnson and Joel Garner.

Campbell Gray and Maurice Rioli will come out of the side due to AFL commitments, Tom McCarthy has been managed, while Sam Toner and Nick Guiney are omitted.  

The winning team on Saturday night will win the Sir Doug Nicholls Trophy, while the player voted best on ground will receive the Sir Doug Nicholls Award.

Don’t miss the VFL playing Essendon on Saturday night, at Kinetic Stadium. Reserve your tickets HERE.

The first bounce at Kinetic Stadium is set for 7:10pm on Saturday night.

All matches in the 2025 Smithy’s VFL and VFLW seasons will be live streamed free via the AFL website, AFL Live Official App and VFL App. 

To follow match updates, stay tuned to Richmond VFL on X, and Instagram.

Round 9, Richmond VFL v Essendon, Saturday, May 24, 7:10pm AEST, Kinetic Stadium.