Xavier Richards is treating Sunday’s clash with West Coast as a second coming, having waited … between his first and second AFL game.

Richards, 22, made a surprise debut midway through 2013 but hasn’t featured until now after the key defender was included in the final team that will take on West Coast at Domain Stadium.

It’s been both a frustrating journey and a steep learning curve for Richards who spent the remainder of his first season, and a large part of 2014, in NEAFL until hip problems put any chance of a recall on the backburner.

His long awaited inclusion comes at the expense of older brother Ted’s omission, a strange set of circumstances that has seen a Richards essentially swapped for a Richards given the younger sibling is also a key backman.

Ted Richards’ one week suspension has opened the door for Xavier to “make my debut all over again” against the Eagles.

"It doesn't feel like I'm returning, it actually feels like I'm making my debut again," Richards said.

"I'm pretty much treating like my first game just because I'm that excited to be back. I'm pumped and really looking forward to it."

Richards, over 12 games in the NEAFL this season, has strung together some strong form which have the coaches confident he'll be able to fill the void left by his older brother.

"I just had to remain patient and reach a level of consistency in the NEAFL," Richards said. "The main focus for me has been playing my role as a key, lock down defender as well as little things I needed go back and work on."

Richards is one of four inclusions for the Round 17 clash against the Eagles alongside Mike Pyke, Isaac Heeney and fellow defender Jeremy Laidler.