RICHMOND small forward Daniel Rioli will play in Saturday’s Dreamtime at the ‘G clash after returning from Darwin on Monday night.

The first-year indigenous goalsneak has been in the Northern Territory for a week spending time with a sick grandfather.

But the Tigers are thrilled he will be able to return to play alongside midfielder Shane Edwards in the celebration of indigenous culture.

The 19-year-old kicked two exciting goals in the club’s crucial win over Sydney and has shown flashes of brilliance in his seven games for the year.

Richmond is thrilled with his early progress after making unsuccessful bids for academy selections Matthew Kennedy and Eric Hipwood in last November’s national draft.

Tigers spokesman Simon Matthews said on Tuesday Rioli would take his spot in the side on Saturday night.

“Daniel spend some time back home last week to deal with a family matter,’’ he said.

“He returned late Monday, is back training and we expect him to play in the Dreamtime game.”

Richmond captain Trent Cotchin said this week he was hopeful Rioli might be picked given his x-factor.

“It would be a nice touch given he is one of our indigenous boys. It is a special night for all of us but especially the indigenous boys,” he said.

“He brings a lot to our team, we love what he offers from a speed and pressure point of view.

“I would like to think he is very much in the mid for selection.”

Nathan Drummond will also return in the VFL Dreamtime game after 13 months out after a knee reconstruction.

The midfielder is related to indigenous leader Doug Nicholls, who this weekend’s themed round is named after.

He is also the great great grandson of William Cooper, who of the country’s most prominent Aboriginal activists.

The 21-year-old tore his ACL in Round 4 last year in his AFL debut in front of his family and friends.