Foley, 27, started at half-forward and pushed into the midfield, playing the opening 15 minutes before taking his first breather in the clash with the Northern Blues at Mantello Holden Oval.
He last played in round 10 last season before he snapped his Achilles tendon at training.
Wearing the No.76, he matched up on Carlton's Nick Duigan early and spent time against Tom Bell as the half wore on.
He won a handful of quality possessions, tackled well and got more involved the longer he was on, with his half culminating in a great goal kicked shortly before the break.
Afterwards, he said he pulled up well and predicted he would need up to three more games at VFL level before being considered for senior selection.
In other Richmond news, highly-anticipated young gun Nick Vlastuin came on at half-time while Robbie Nahas played from quarter-time.
Both could potentially be in contention for Friday night's clash with Fremantle at Patersons Stadium.
Richmond captain Trent Cotchin, forward Jake King, development coach Mark Williams and assistant coach Brendon Lade were among those who turned out to watch the game on Sunday afternoon.
Nathan Foley is a midfielder in NAB AFL Fantasy. He averaged 92.1 points in 2012. Register your team at our AFL Fantasy Hub.
Jennifer Phelan is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow her on Twitter @AFL_JenPhelan.
