Richmond have recalled Marlion Pickett for their high-stakes AFL clash with the Brisbane Lions, little more than two weeks after the dual premiership player faced a Perth court.
Pickett was granted bail on June 12 after appearing on a dozen charges, including four counts of aggravated burglary, three of stealing and three of criminal damage.
The 31-year-old resumed training with his Tigers teammates three days later but was not selected for that week's game against St Kilda.
Richmond caretaker coach Andrew McQualter said at the time the club felt Pickett needed a break but added the utility would be free to come back into the side against the Lions after the bye.
Pickett has been selected to return to action at the Gabba on Thursday night.
"He's ready to play," McQualter told reporters in Brisbane on Wednesday.
"Marlion's a really tough, resilient person. He'll be fine."
McQualter said Richmond have no moral issues with selecting Pickett.
"It's really important that you're innocent until proven guilty," the coach said.
"That's the stance we've taken, and what (Tigers CEO) Brendon Gale spoke about last week."
Pickett has played 70 games for Richmond, having famously made his AFL debut in their 2019 premiership triumph, just months after being selected by the club in the mid-season draft.
He was the first VFL/AFL player in 67 years to debut in a grand final and the first since 1926 to win a flag in his first game.
Pickett, originally from South Fremantle, won a second premiership with the Tigers in 2020.
Richmond on-baller Jacob Hopper will also return against Brisbane, having overcome a calf injury that kept him sidelined since round nine.
Fellow midfielder Dion Prestia (calf) is unavailable, while Maurice Rioli Jr has been dropped.
Brisbane recalled Callum Ah Chee but left out Dayne Zorko despite the former captain recovering from a calf injury.
