JACK Riewoldt will have powerhouse company in Richmond's forward line for Friday night's knockout semi-final against St Kilda, with Tom Lynch to return from injury.

Dual premiership defender Nathan Broad is also in for his first game since round 15, but the Tigers axed forwards Jake Aarts and Mabior Chol.

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Lynch (hamstring) was hoping to play in Richmond's qualifying final clash with Brisbane, only for the Tigers to take a cautious approach with their prized forward. 

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Meanwhile, the Saints have brought Shane Savage back from the football wilderness as one of three inclusions for the game, along with Josh Battle (foot) and Jonathon Marsh.

Savage played every game last season and had been a senior regular ever since crossing from Hawthorn seven years ago, but has made just one appearance in 2020 to date. 

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Coach Brett Ratten has instead preferred emerging defenders Ben Long, Hunter Clark and Nick Coffield over Savage.

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However, Long's one-game suspension on a rough conduct charge – after twice trying to beat it – opened the door for the 29-year-old to play his first final since the Hawks' 2012 Grand Final defeat.

St Kilda also lost Jake Carlisle (personal) and Paddy Ryder (hamstring) from last week's elimination final victory over the Western Bulldogs.

Carlisle has left St Kilda's Noosa hub to be at his partner's side for the birth of their third child. 

Friday, October 9

First semi-final - Richmond v St Kilda, Metricon Stadium, 6.50pm AEST (7.50pm AEDT)

RICHMOND
IN: T.Lynch, N.Broad
OUT: J.Aarts (omitted), M.Chol (omitted)

ST KILDA
IN: 
J.Marsh, J.Battle, S.Savage
OUT: B.Long (suspension), J.Carlisle (personal), P.Ryder (hamstring)