Jason Castagna and Jacob Townsend will return for their first game of the season this afternoon, when the VFL Tigers take on the Northern Blues in a practice, curtain raiser clash at the Swinburne Centre, Punt Road Oval.

Both Castagna and Townsend have been back training with the main group for around three weeks, after overcoming ankle and thigh injuries, respectively.

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Ryan Garthwaite is also set to make his return to the football field today for the VFL side following an Achilles injury.

Tiger fans can enjoy the curtain raiser before heading to the MCG for tonight’s AFL season opener against Carlton.

The Northern Blues clash will mark the third of four pre-season hit outs for the Tigers, as the 2018 minor premiers continue their build up to the season at the beginning of April.

A number of additional AFL-listed players, including Oleg Markov, Patrick Naish and Connor Menadue, will also line-up today for the VFL Tigers.

With free entry for all, the gates will open at 3.30pm ahead of the first bounce at 4.00pm. 

The afternoon will provide plenty of fun for the whole family, with giveaways, face painting and mascot appearances as well as food trucks and a bar area on offer.

Richmond v Northern Blues VFL practice match
Thursday, March 21
Swinburne Centre, Punt Road Oval
Gates open: 3.30pm
First bounce: 4.00pm

B: Oleg Markov, Ryan Garthwaite, Daniel Coffield      
HB: Patrick Naish, Connor Menadue, Derek Eggmolesse-Smith
C: Shai Bolton, Jack Ross, Fraser Turner
HF: Jason Castagna, Brandon Ellis, Liam Baker
F: Callum Moore, Ivan Soldo, Mabior Chol
Foll: Callum Coleman-Jones, Riley Collier-Dawkins, Luke English
I/C: Sydney Stack, Jacob Ballard, Jake Aarts, Jacob Townsend, Tom Silvestro, James Fletcher, Brenton Credlin, Nick Baltas, Lachie Street             

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