Over one hundred budding footballers were put through their paces at Richmond’s Come and Try Talent Days in regional Victoria this week.

As part of the Richmond Academy, the Club put on speed, agility and football skill activities in Swan Hill and Shepparton.

Over 80 participants, aged 11 to 15 years of age, took part in Monday’s session at Swan Hill Football Netball Club.

Bendigo Pioneer and Tyntynder talent Kayle Kirby was on hand to help participants in a kicking session.

Kirby, 18, played two matches for Richmond’s VFL side this year and booted nine goals - he now has his sights set on November’s AFL National Draft.

“Playing at VFL level was a great experience,” Kirby said.

“Kicking my first goal, I couldn’t have had a better start to my VFL debut.

“I finished off the last game pretty strongly, no one expected me to kick four goals.”

On Tuesday the Club travelled south-east to Mooroopna Recreation Reserve, where local talent and Richmond youngster Nathan Drummond took skills sessions. 

The former Mooroopna junior and Murray Bushranger also spoke to participants about his journey to the AFL.

Drummond, 21, said the Richmond Academy would provide greater opportunities for Indigenous and multicultural players.

“It was great to see so many faces at Mooroopna and hopefully the Club can play a major role in developing and unearthing talent across the region,” Drummond said.

The Richmond Academy will introduce the game of Australian Rules to both boys and girls, aged 5 to 18 years, who are from Indigenous and multicultural backgrounds, and provide pathways for coaches and administrators.

The Tigers area comprises the Goulburn Murray, Bendigo, Sunraysia and North Central regions – the Murray Bushrangers and Bendigo Pioneers catchments.

For more photos of the Swan Hill and Shepparton Come and Try Talent Days, click here.