Richmond will unveil Pick 12 draft selection Taj Hotton on Saturday night when the Tigers host Essendon at the MCG.

Hotton joined the Tigers after a limited draft campaign that was brought to a close due to an ACL injury.

The teenager has steadily worked his way back to full fitness, featuring in the VFL the past three weeks on limited minutes.

 Saturday, July 12 
Richmond WON BY 9 POINTS
MCG
RICH   
46
FT
37
   ESS

His most recent performance against Geelong saw Hotton record 24 disposals, eight tackles and a goal to press his case for a debut.

That selection call has been confirmed by the club, who will name Hotton for their Round 18 bout with the Bombers.

Hotton is noted as a lively midfield-forward hybrid who can find the ball with ease and leave an impact on the scoreboard.

Screen Shot 2025-06-10 at 12.30.38 pm
Taj Hotton of the Richmond Tigers at training in 2025 (Image via Richmond FC)

He joins fellow 2024 draftees Harry Armstrong, Sam Lalor, Luke Trainor, Jonty Faull, Thomas Sims and Jasper Alger in debuting in the yellow and black in their first season.

The Tigers have also handed debuts to Liam Fawcett and Campbell Gray this year.

Richmond and Essendon will go head-to-head on Saturday night at 7:35pm (AEST), with the Tigers chasing their fourth win of the season.