After 684 long days, Zoe Hargreaves will make her highly anticipated AFLW debut in Richmond's Round 12 clash against North Melbourne on Sunday.

Hargreaves was selected at pick No.20 in the 2024 Telstra AFLW Draft, but has since endured a horror injury run to begin her career.

The 20-year-old ruptured her ACL during voluntary AFLW training sessions prior to the 2025 pre-season, which saw her miss the entirety of last season.

Hargreaves would then suffer a hamstring injury during the 2026 pre-season, before having a setback with her knee on the eve of the campaign beginning, in the final progressions of her ACL return.

However, she has showcased outstanding diligence, commitment and effort throughout her rehab journey and will now get the chance to shine on the AFLW stage.  

The former Northern Knights vice-captain finished second in the Coates League team’s 2024 Best and Fairest, and brings versatility as a multi-positional player.

The Tigers and Kangaroos will clash at Windy Hill on Saturday at 3:05pm.

After the 2024 AFLW Draft, here was Richmond AFLW National Recruiting Manager, Trent Mosbey's, analysis on the Fitzroy product...

Hargreaves has played roles as a winger, inside midfielder and rebounding defender for the Northern Knights and Vic Metro sides this season [2024]. 

Hargreaves averaged 16 disposals, 2.3 inside-50s, 4.7 tackles, 2.7 clearances and 2.3 marks across all three games for Vic Metro off half-back and as an inside mid, running hard both ways, using the ball efficiently and playing a team brand. 

Produced a standout game under the Marvel Stadium roof as an inside-mid with 25 disposals at 72% efficiency, seven clearances, seven tackles, four inside-50s and five marks up against Vic Country’s star midfielders Ash Centra, Sara Howley and Lucia Painter. 

Was also vice-captain of the 2024 Northern Knights side and finished second in their Best and Fairest, highlighting Hargreaves' consistency across all games.

It was also great to see Hargreaves play VFLW for Carlton [in 2024], having 12 disposals across all three lines against Geelong, looking at home at the level against the older competition with a number of AFLW players on both teams. 

Hargreaves is an exciting, versatile player, a competitor with an impressive kick and athletic profile, and is highly regarded for her leadership, professionalism, coachability, positive energy and strong desire to achieve. 

We loved her combination of attacking and defensive game styles.