Richmond defender Nathan Broad has been named the 2023 recipient of the Club's highly regarded Francis Bourke Award.
Broad received the accolade 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.
Broad was recognised by his playing peers for being the ultimate teammate, lauded for his consistency on the field and his commitment off it.
From an on-field perspective, he was admired for his never-give-up attitude, including fighting through injury, as well as his aerial power and willingness to run back with the flight of the ball.
Off the field, his nominations made note of the fact he makes a constant effort to check in on teammates, particularly those going through a tough time.
Always leading the way in facilitating social events, Broad is also a key driver within Richmond's defensive unit when it comes to reviewing performance in training and games, showing complete care for his teammates.
According to one of his teammates - “with ‘Broady’, you know exactly what you’re going to get, and we love that."
Recent winners of the Francis Bourke Award include Kane Lambert (twice), David Astbury, Jack Graham and Alex Rance.
In other awards on the night, Shai Bolton received the David Mandie Community Award for his leadership development and community impact both on and off the field.
Bolton played an important role in the Club’s inaugural Together We Create Aboriginal business showcase earlier this year. Under his leadership, all of Richmond’s AFL, AFLW, and VFL Indigenous and multicultural players walked the runway to spotlight the work of Indigenous designers and creatives.
He also volunteered his time this year to support the Victorian Aboriginal community’s first Treaty election, lending his voice to the campaign and encouraging young Aboriginal people to stand-up and have their say.
Through his continued support of Richmond's KGI programs and the promotion of the annual Dreamtime at the 'G game, Bolton has been a strong advocate and voice within the football program.
In a fitting end to his Richmond career, Jack Riewoldt received the Michael Roach Leading Goalkicker Award for the 12th time.
The recently-retired key forward slotted 32 majors for the season, just edging out Bolton (31) and Dustin Martin (25).
Tylar Young was named as the Bill Cosgrove/Harry Jenkins Best First Year player after a debut season to be proud of.
The mature-aged key defender, who was promoted to Richmond's rookie list in 2022 from the Club's VFL program, cemented himself in the line-up following his Round 2 debut.
The talented former soccer and cricket player, who only made the switch to football in 2019, went on to play 19 senior games in 2023.
Taking on some of the competition's best forwards, including Lance Franklin in Round 17, Young showing immense promise with his one-on-one ability and intercept skills.
James Trezise received the Guinane Medal for the VFL Best and Fairest.
The 21-year-old, who was also recruited from Richmond's VFL program, was Richmond's second selection in this year's Mid-Season Rookie Draft.
Prior to the rebounding defender's AFL debut in Round 24, he impressed in 18 VFL matches throughout the season, averaging 17 disposals, five marks and four tackles per game.
Chris Henderson was announced winner of the VWFL Seniors Best and Fairest award after the captain produced yet another incredibly consistent season, leading the Tigers to their second Grand Final in as many years.
Henderson, who is also retiring, has made a remarkable contribution to the Club as a true team player and leader on and off the court.
Bryant Parsons was the winner of VWFL Development Best and Fairest award.
Parsons put together an outstanding season at Tigerland, highlighting his standing as a fierce competitor and ever-reliable teammate.
