Richmond forward Tom Sims will make his highly-anticipated return to football this weekend, pulling on the boots for Richmond VFL's Dreamtime clash against Essendon on Saturday morning.

It will be the 20-year-old's first game at any level in 286 days, since August 9, 2025, when Sims dislocated his elbow in a VFL match, and then was subsequently sidelined due to a foot injury throughout the pre-season.

Sims enjoyed a strong debut campaign last season, playing 11 AFL games and showcasing his strong potential around the ground.

Sims will be joined by AFL teammates Kaleb Smith, Samson Ryan and Liam Fawcett, who all return to the side for the Round 9 clash.

SCROLL DOWN FOR THE FULL ROUND 9 VFL TEAM

Coming out of the team is Sam Phillips (omitted), Dan Lowther (injured), James Milner (omitted) and Austin Johnson (injured).

The backline is made up of Josh Pollocks, vice-captain Mutaz El Nour, Zaydyn Lockwood, Leo Connolly, captain Lachlan Street and Smith.

Sam Toner makes up the centreline, alongside Harry Scott and Kane Loftus. Ryan takes his spot in the ruck, with vice-captain Joel Garner and Nick Collier named as the followers.

Mohammed Yassine, Liam George, Olli Hotton, Ry Cantwell, Sims and Fawcett make up the forward line.

On the interchange is Tom McKenzie, Sean Lai, Kai Stewart, Aaron Sharkie and Caleb Nancarrow.

The emergencies are JayDe Varlet, Phillips and Milner.

The Round 9 clash is set for 10:00am (AEST) this Saturday, with the game to be broadcast on Fox Footy and Kayo Sports, or 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 9, Richmond VFL v Essendon, Saturday 23 May, Windy Hill, 10.00am (AEST).