Ruckman Oliver Hayes-Brown will make his highly anticipated AFL debut for Richmond against GWS this Sunday.
Standing at 208cm tall, Hayes-Brown will pull on the yellow and black at AFL level for the first time, following a strong start to his 2026 VFL campaign.
The 25-year-old is in his third year at the Club, after joining as a Category B rookie, following his basketball career that he pursued in the USA, competing at college level with the UC Riverside.
Returning to home soil, Hayes-Brown then joined the Perth Wildcats in the NBL, as a development player for two seasons, before switching to AFL with the Tigers in September, 2023.
Just last week against St Kilda in the Round 3 VFL clash, he had 19 hitouts, 23 disposals and 10 clearances in the 33-point victory at RSEA Park.
VFL coach Jack Madgen heaped praise on Hayes-Brown’s performance last weekend.
“He had an exceptional game in the ruck. He just continues to get better with each game he plays and he had a positive impact,” Madgen said post-match.
He also had 15 hitouts in the Round 1 win over Southport, and 10 hitouts against Coburg the following week.
He has been prominent at VFL level over the last few seasons, playing 16 matches in 2025, standing out against the Northern Bullants with 26 disposals and 36 hitouts.
Hayes-Brown becomes the Club’s second debutant of the 2026 season, joining Sam Grlj, who made his debut in Round 1.
Richmond takes on GWS this Sunday from 3.15pm (AEST), 2.45pm local time, in the Barossa Valley as part of the AFL’s Gather Round.
