Recently retired midfielder Kane Lambert has been named the 2022 recipient of the highly esteemed Francis Bourke Award.
Lambert received the the honour at tonight’s Jack Dyer Medal event.
The Francis Bourke Award, named in honour of Richmond’s five-time premiership hero and Club 'Immortal', is determined by current Richmond players.
Each week throughout the season, the playing group cast votes on a 3-2-1 basis for the players that best uphold their trademark values.
Having recently retired as a triple premiership-winning Tiger in July after 135 games with the Club, Lambert's legacy lies in his relentless work-ethic and team-first mentality he consistently showed throughout his seven seasons at Richmond.
The 30-year-old is remaining at Tigerland in 2023 as a development coach as he takes the next step in his career, further highlighting his high standing the Club.
The admired and popular teammate is also a three-time winner of the Club's Bunjil award for upholding the Club's core values and best displaying what it is to be a Richmond person.
The respected Tiger, who also received the award in 2020, follows David Astbury (2021), Jack Graham (2019) and Alex Rance (2019) as the most recent winners of the Francis Bourke Award.
In other accolades on the night, Marlion Pickett received the David Mandie Community Award for his leadership and contributions made throughout the Club and community.
Pickett is actively involved in the Korin Gamadji Institute, Richmond Next Generation Academy and Melbourne Indigenous Transition School.
He has a commitment to Indigenous youth justice, volunteering to mentor incarcerated youth. In 2023, he will be accredited as one of the first Indigenous lived-experience youth justice mentors.
Pickett's cultural leadership in the lead up to this year's Dreamtime at the 'G match united the playing group, enabling the creation of the Laguntas Dance, a performance etched into the Club’s history.
Tom Lynch received the Michael Roach Leading Goalkicker Award, for the second time, after also receiving the nod back in 2019.
The key forward slotted 63 majors for the season ahead of Shai Bolton (43) and Jack Riewoldt (40).
Josh Gibcus was named as the Bill Cosgrove/Harry Jenkins Best First Year player, after a standout debut season at the Club.
The 19-year-old was taken with Richmond’s first pick (No.9 overall) at the 2021 NAB AFL Draft, played 18 games in his first year, including Richmond's elimination final against Brisbane. He showcased plenty of promise through his leaping ability and defensive mindset.
Jake Aarts received the Guinane Medal for the VFL Best and Fairest.
The lively forward, who joined Richmond's rookie list back in 2018 after being selected from the Tigers' VFL program, averaged 21.4 disposals across 14 VFL matches and booted a total of 16 goals.
Teisha Shadwell was announced winner of the VWFL Senior Best and Fairest award, following her crucial on and off field contribution to the premiership-winning side's season.
She was named best on ground in the Grand Final after a standout performance.
Chris Kotsanas was the winner of VWFL Development Best and Fairest award.
Kotsanas was a fierce competitor within the Development side this season, particularly in the team's premiership victory, scoring seven goals.
