Richmond's VFL team will head out to Casey Fields to take on the Demons on Anzac Day, with a plethora of new AFL and VFL faces in tow.

Excitingly, Aaron Sharkie will make his highly-anticipated home-and-away VFL debut, after showing strong signs in last week's practice match against the Australian U18 Academy representative squad.

The running defender stood tall in the victory, and was composed in the backline when required. He is known for his elite work rate and endurance, which helps him stand out against opponents.

AFL defender Josh Gibcus will also return to the side and he is joined by AFL counterparts Luke Trainor, Liam Fawcett and Tyler Sonsie in the inclusions.

The other additions include goalsneak Mohammed Yassine and Sam Philp, who returns after his shoulder setback in Round 1.

They'll replace Sam Cumming and Tom Burton, who are both set to make their AFL debuts against Melbourne on Anzac Day Eve, Patrick Retschko, who also made his AFL debut in Round 6, Zane Peucker (syndesmosis), Kaleb Smith (groin), Zaydyn Lockwood (omitted) and Reuben Hanson (omitted).

Smith will not play due to a groin injury.

The backline is made up of Trainor, vice-captain Mutaz El Nour, Nick Collier, vice-captain Joel Garner, Gibcus and James Trezise.

Oliver Hayes-Brown resumes in the ruck, with followers Olli Hotton and Sonsie. Leader Liam George, skipper Lachlan Street and Leo Connolly make up the centreline.

The forward line will include Philp, Tom Ferguson, Noah Roberts-Thomson, Sam Toner, Fawcett and Dan Lowther.

Tom McKenzie, Harry Scott, Ned Renfree, Sharkie and Yassine make up the interchange.

The emergencies are Sam Phillips, Zane Greenham and Hanson.

The Round 5 clash is set for 1.05pm (AEST) this Saturday, with the game live streamed on the AFL website.

All matches in the 2026 Smithy’s VFL and VFLW seasons will be live streamed free via the AFL website and the AFL Live Official App and VFL App. 

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

Round 5, Richmond VFL v Casey Demons, Saturday 25 April, Casey Fields, 1.05pm (AEST).