Richmond coach Adem Yze says Judson Clarke has “earned” his opportunity at AFL level ahead of Saturday night’s clash with Adelaide.

Clarke will play his first AFL game in 867 days against the Crows, after fighting through two ACL ruptures since March, 2024. 

The 22-year-old played his first game this season at VFL level on July 4, and since then has increased his minutes and exerted a greater impact on the contests, collecting 16 disposals in his last two appearances against Box Hill and Footscray.

“It has been a long time…really excited,” Yze said of Clarke’s return.

“He's earned the right to get back into our side. He's put a power of work in, he went away in the off-season and did everything he could to get his body right.

“He's had a month of VFL footy and he's earned his right to come back into the side. 

“These little stories, while we're trying to grow our game and grow our team, these little moments within that are really important for our footy club to celebrate.

“He's a great kid, high energy, high speed, beautiful ball user, so we can't wait to see what he can do, and he's got three games now until the end of the year to put that on show.”

Clarke’s last AFL appearance came in Round 2 of the 2024 season against Port Adelaide, way back on March 24 of that year.

A few weeks later, on April 13, 2024, Clarke ruptured his ACL in a VFL game against Werribee. He would make his return just over 12 months later, on April 24, 2025, in the VFL against Casey.

In a devastating blow, just six games later, on June 7, 2025, Clarke ruptured his ACL in the VFL, marking the third time he has suffered the serious injury in his career.

After fighting through rehab, which included a trip to the University of Oregon earlier this year to leave no stone unturned in getting back to full fitness, Clarke returned via the VFL on July 4 against Carlton.

Come Saturday night, Clarke’s magnet will officially be back on the AFL board for the first time in 867 days.