Richmond is delighted to announce that Ellie McKenzie has committed to the Club for two more years, tying her to the Swinburne Centre until at least the end of 2026.

McKenzie, 21, has played 27 excellent games for Richmond since being selected with the first pick overall at the 2020 AFLW National Draft.

The star youngster, with a booming left foot and the power and athleticism to play all over the ground, burst onto the scene to win the AFLW’s best first-year player and runner-up in Richmond’s best and fairest in her first year.

McKenzie was named in the All-Australian squad of 40 that season, a feat she repeated in her other injury free season, Season 7, given her instrumental role in the Tigers finishing 4th.

The 176cm midfielder started 2023 outstandingly, polling coaches votes as the Tigers defeated eventual premiers Brisbane at Springfield Homes Arena before she unfortunately missed the remainder of the season with an ankle injury.

McKenzie also missed four of the 10 games in 2022 (Season 6) due to a calf injury, however still finished inside the top 10 of the best and fairest due to her impact when available.

The prized youngster said it was a “no brainer” to commit to the Club.

“I am really excited, I love the group here, the culture about the Club and it feels like we are building something really special,” she said.

“They (Richmond) picked me at number one in the draft, so I think just honouring that and the opportunity they gave me to play at the elite level and paying it (the faith) back.”

McKenzie added that she was looking forward to the benefits of an injury free pre-season this year.

“That first year (2021) was probably the only pre-season I had fully coming into this year, for me knowing that I have that under my belt (this year) coming into games means that I can feel confident as well.

“I am really excited about the gameplan that we have got in place, there will be a lot of hunting and tackling but a lot of attacking and goals as well.

“We are all really close, and it feels like sort of a second family, we are all up and about.”

Richmond Head of Women’s Football, Kate Sheahan, said the Club was thrilled to have McKenzie commit for the longer term.

“We are pumped to have Ellie commit to the Club. Clearly, she is a supremely talented player- but also an excellent person and someone highly respected by everyone here and across the competition,” she said.

“Ellie is a massive part of our future and a young player that will help to lead and drive our group forward.

“She has worked diligently across the off season, leading the way in the gym and is in great condition ahead of the upcoming season. We cannot wait to see her continue to improve this year because the sky is her limit.

“We are delighted she will continue to be in Yellow and Black going forward, and no doubt the Tiger Army will be too.”