It's been over 12 months since Judson Clarke took to the football field, but that will change this Saturday, when the 23-year-old makes his highly-anticipated return from his ACL injury via the VFL.

Clarke, who has now completed his ACL rehabilitation program, last played football in Round 11 of the VFL season in 2025, when he suffered the knee setback against the Swans.

The winger reflected positively on his journey, which is his third ACL reconstruction since he was 16.

"Excited is the word to sum it all up. I've been smiling this whole week. It almost doesn't feel real. It's a lot of excitement, I can't wait to get out there and have a run around," Clarke said.

Clarke's return against the Blues on Saturday at IKON Park has given him the opportunity to look back and see just how far he has mentally come to get back to the top level.

"It was tough. The toughest part was that it happened so soon [after second ACL return]. It was only five games since I'd returned. It was really hard. I remember Jack Ziebell [assistant coach] was there with me in the change rooms a year ago. I was in a bad head space doing it again, breaking down, crying, asking, 'why me?'," he said.

"The little wins kept me positive, like getting off crutches. It's important to celebrate those wins. That's how I found happiness in those dark times. Be grateful everyday, because my job is still to get my body in the best shape I can, and keep that mental energy."

Reflecting on the early days of his recovery, the 17-gamer, who made his AFL debut in 2022, admits doing it alone was a struggle, unlike facing an ACL setback with teammates like Mykelti Lefau in the past.

"These times were darker than before, having no one else do it with me," Clarke admitted.

"But you set milestones for yourself; surgery, walking, running. It gets easier from there.

"Mum and dad were massive. Those first few weeks when you can't walk, they're a big part of your life, helping you navigate. 

"Ben Serpell also gave me the opportunity to go over to America to train with Jimmy Radcliffe [Oregon Head Strength and Conditioning Coach], which helped me improve my movements. That was a massive win during this rehab."

For Clarke, the end goal is to get back into the AFL side, and give himself a red hot crack to show how much he has physically and mentally grown since his last game at the top level back in 2024.

"Its been around 830 days since I've played AFL. It would be really nice to get some solid games in the ones by the end of the year. For now, it's a gradual return, playing a half, three quarters, then a full game. I have to tick those boxes," Clarke said.

"Most importantly, I'm excited to feel like a footy player again. There was a period of time in rehab, five or six months, where you feel like you're just stuck. I lost the feeling of being a footballer, and felt like a rehabber.

"It's good to reflect on the hardship and realise how strong you can be. The resilience was good to reiterate how strong my brain is. There's no doubt that my injuries have shaped who I am and who I'll be in the future."

Excitingly, Clarke's AFL teammate, Harry Armstrong, also returns to the VFL side, after overcoming his foot setback that has kept him away from football since Round 3.

Kane Loftus and Sam Phillips make up for last two additions to the side.

The four ins replace Hugo Ralphsmith (AFL), Kane McAuliffe (AFL), Oliver Hayes-Brown (knee soreness) and Luke Trainor (concussion).

Trainor sustained a concussion during Thursday's training, and Hayes-Brown will miss through knee soreness.

The backline is made up of Mutaz El Nour, Kaleb Smith, Zaydyn Lockwood, Harry Scott, captain Lachlan Street and Nick Collier.

Aaron Sharkie makes up the centreline, alongside Sam Philp and Clarke. Samson Ryan takes his spot in the ruck, with Tyler Sonsie and Olli Hotton as his followers.

Zane Peucker, Tom Burton, Noah Roberts-Thomson, Liam Fawcett, James Milner and Josh Pollocks make up the forward line.

On the interchange is Leo Connolly, Liam George, Armstrong, Loftus and Phillips.

The emergencies are Ned Renfree, Sean Lai and Zach O'Keefe.

The Round 15 clash is set for 12:05pm (AEST) this Saturday, with the game to be shown live on the ABC, and 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, the AFL Live Official App and VFL App.

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

Round 15, Richmond VFL v Carlton, Saturday 4 July, IKON Park, Carlton North, 12.05pm (AEST).