Richmond has recalled experienced, hard-running defender Taylor Hunt for Saturday night’s big clash with St Kilda at Etihad Stadium.

It will be Hunt’s first senior appearance since this year’s season-opener against Carlton.

He has earned another opportunity at the game’s highest level following some extremely consistent football at VFL level with the Tigers.

Get all the game day information for Saturday night's match against St Kilda

The 26-year-old is coming off a best-on-ground performance for the Richmond VFL side against Essendon at Windy Hill last Saturday, where he had 33 disposals, five marks, three tackles and kicked a goal in the team’s fighting win.

Richmond’s VFL coach, Craig McRae, in his weekly player report on the Club’s website, said of Hunt’s strong showing: “Continues his great form at VFL level. He’s been one of our best players in recent weeks and today he really looked strong off half-back and used the ball really well. A complete game from him.”

Hunt replaces speedy, young Tiger Oleg Markov, in the only change to the Richmond side that defeated Port Adelaide by 13 points at Adelaide Oval last round.

See St Kilda's team for Saturday night's Round 16 clash at Etihad Stadium

The Tigers’ three emergencies for Saturday night’s clash are Markov, Anthony Miles and Shai Bolton. 

The Round 16 Richmond Team

B: Rance, Astbury, Grimes
HB: Short, Menadue, B. Ellis
C: McIntosh, Edwards, Cotchin
HF: Martin, Rioli, Castagna
F: Riewoldt, Lambert, Lloyd
R: Nankervis, Grigg, Caddy
IC: Prestia, Stengle, Hunt, Butler
Emg: Miles, Bolton, Markov

In: Hunt
Out: Markov – omitted