Riley Hardeman will make his AFL debut on Saturday afternoon when North Melbourne hosts the Adelaide Crows at Blundstone Arena.

A line-breaking defender from Swan Districts, Hardeman was selected by the Roos with pick No.23 in the 2023 AFL Draft after captaining Western Australia in the under-18 championships and earning All-Australian honours.

The 19-year-old has been among the Roos’ best in his four appearances at VFL level, impressing with his pace and attack on the ball.

Hardeman found out he would play his first senior game this weekend during Wednesday afternoon’s team meeting.

03:50

First Year Player Quiz unveils newest debutant

First-year Kanga Riley Hardeman finds out that he'll be making his AFL debut against the Crows

He becomes the third player from the Roos’ 2023 draft class to make his debut - joining Colby McKercher (pick No.2) and Zane Duursma (pick No.4) - and the club’s fifth AFL debutant overall this season.

The Roos’ full Round 7 team will be announced on Thursday night at 6.20pm AEST. 

02:53

'NO WAY!': Hardemans hear Riley's good news

Riley Hardeman calls up his mum and dad to let them know that he's making his League debut on Saturday