Selected by the Tigers with the final pick of the first round in last year's national draft, Dow faces a baptism of fire against an in-form West Coast.

"He's our first round pick from last year and he's going to run out for the mighty Yellow and Black, so we're very excited to see how young Thomson goes," Richmond coach Damien Hardwick told richmondfc.com.au.

"He's going to get a fair initiation against one of the form sides of the competition in the West Coast Eagles.

"We think he can learn on the run. We think he's going to be a really good player for us over a long period of time, so we're excited to give him the opportunity."

Read more: West Coast-Richmond a potential classic in the making

Dow, the younger brother of Carlton midfielder Paddy Dow, was told he'd make his debut on Tuesday night.

"I'm pretty keen. The news was delivered last night which gave me the chance to sleep on it,'' he told richmondfc.com.au.

"I'm pretty keen to get out there and rapt with the opportunity."

Dow, from Swan Hill, was the first Pioneer to be drafted by Richmond since Dustin Martin with pick three in 2009.

"Thomson just knows how to get the footy,'' the Pioneers' Steve Sharp said when Dow was drafted.

"He has some elite level skills, particularly with his hands."

Read more: AFL clubs with Bendigo Pioneers' products on their lists

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