Richmond's VFL team will welcome debutant JayDe Varlet into the side that will face off against the Footscray Bulldogs on Saturday at Whitten Oval.

The Beaconsfield speedster has earned the call-up, showing off his impressive aerial and contest skills through the midfield and as a forward.

Varlet was a powerhouse for the Dandenong Stingrays last season, earning a Vic Country call-up.

Joining Varlet in the side are James Trezise and Kane McAuliffe, who come into the side from the AFL, alongside Zaydyn Lockwood, Aaron Sharkie, Josh Pollocks and Sam Phillips.

The seven inclusions replace Luke Trainor (AFL), Tyler Sonsie (AFL), Zane Peucker (AFL), Kaleb Smith (quad), Jasper Alger (foot), Harry Armstrong (foot) and Leo Connolly (ankle).

The backline is made up of Mutaz El Nour, captain Lachlan Street, Lockwood, Harry Scott, Trezise and Zach O'Keefe.

Judson Clarke makes up the centreline, alongside Nick Collier and Sam Toner. Oliver Hayes-Brown takes his spot in the ruck, with Olli Hotton and McAuliffe named as his followers.

Maurice Rioli, Liam George, Joel Garner, Liam Fawcett, Noah Roberts-Thomson and Samson Ryan make up the forward line.

Sam Philp, Sharkie, Pollocks, Phillips and Varlet make up the interchange.

The emergencies are James Milner, Tom Ferguson, Kane Loftus and Mohammed Yassine.

The Round 18 clash is set for 3.05pm (AEST) this Saturday, with the game to be 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 18, Richmond VFL v Footscray Bulldogs, Saturday 25 July, Mission Whitten Oval, Melbourne, 3.05pm (AEST).