Richmond has signed experienced ruck/forward Tamara Luke to its AFLW list for the upcoming season.

The 36-year-old former St Kilda and Hawthorn tall will bolster the Tigers’ ruck stocks as a replacement player following Montana McKinnon’s season-ending knee injury.

Having initially announced her retirement from AFLW when departing Hawthorn last year, Luke’s form at VFLW level, where she is Box Hill’s captain, remained outstanding.

Luke averaged 13 disposals and 17 hit outs per match and booted 20 goals in her 15 games with the VFLW Hawks this year.

The 180cm ruck showed her influence through the middle of the ground, notably in games against AFLW rucks. She stood out with her contested marking, strength, physicality, and competitiveness.

Richmond National Recruiting Manager Trent Mosbey said Luke would add terrific support to the Tigers’ ruck options.

“Tamara is an experienced player at AFLW level and was also a part of Hawthorn’s AFLW leadership group and has been captain at Box Hill for multiple years,” he said.

“She has displayed the values we look for in terms of professionalism, driving standards, and growth mindset and brings a skill set that we needed on our list following Montana’s unfortunate injury.

“We are looking forward to having Tamara at Richmond.”

Luke only began playing football at 29, having crossed to Box Hill with a netball background, where she played for Melbourne Kestrels in the VNL.

The exercise physiologist, who grew up on a dairy farm near Wonthaggi, was quick to make an impact, winning a premiership in 2018 and a spot on St Kilda’s inaugural AFLW list in 2020.

Luke also claimed Box Hill’s VFLW best and fairest in 2021.