Richmond defender Ryan Garthwaite will make his senior debut in Sunday afternoon's big clash against Geelong at the MCG.

The 19-year-old, who was taken with pick No.72 in the 2016 AFL Draft, has been rewarded for consistently strong form in defence at VFL level.

Speaking to richmondfc.com.au during the week, VFL and development coach Craig McRae praised Garthwaite's effort in Richmond VFL's 12-point loss to Williamstown last Sunday.

“As always, (Garthwaite is) someone we really rely on in defence. Anyone that plays on Ryan knows that they’re going to be in for a hard day. He continues to show his good form,” McRae said.

Garthwaite has been named in the final 22 in place of David Astbury who will miss after he hurt his ankle in last week's loss to Port Adelaide.

It will break a run of 50 consecutive games for Astbury, who last missed a senior game in Round 9, 2016.

Garthwaite will be one of four inclusions for the match against Geelong, alongside Dustin Martin, Daniel Rioli and Jack Graham.

Anthony Miles has been added to the emergency list, along with Jacob Townsend, who replaced Ivan Soldo as one of the original four emergencies earlier today.