Richmond will unveil 2024 Mid-Season Draft selection Campbell Gray for his AFL debut on Thursday night against Melbourne.

Gray's selection comes as the Tigers will lose key defender Noah Balta for Round 7, with the Richmond swingman to be unavailable due to a curfew handed down as punishment for his recent assault case.

The Tigers have looked to Gray after a strong start to the year in the VFL, with the former state league level Bomber shining as an intercepting backman.

Gray was drafted out of Essendon's VFL program almost 12 months ago as an agile 195cm forward, however has since moved to the backline.

He has played four games in 2025, averaging 13.5 disposals and 3.5 marks per game.ย  Gray played four games for the Tigers in the second half of last year before being struck down by a hamstring injury, booting eight goals in that run.

Gray played a further eight games for the Bombers before being recruited to Richmond, booting 10 goals.

Gray will join Sam Lalor, Luke Trainor, Harry Armstrong, Liam Fawcett and Jonty Faull as a 2025 AFL debut out of Punt Road.

The Tigers could also have Rhyan Mansell as an inclusion for Round 7, having served his three-game suspension for rough conduct while also overcoming an AC joint injury in that timeframe.

Richmond have also revealed Judson Clarke is set to make his return from an ACL setback in the VFL against Casey on Thursday.

The Tigers and Demons will battle at the MCG for their annual Anzac Day Eve match, with initial squads to be confirmed at 6:20pm (AEST) on Wednesday evening.