Richmond defender Nathan Broad has been named the recipient of the Club's highly esteemed Francis Bourke Award for the second year in a row, a testament to his consistency and respect from his peers.
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, 31, was celebrated by his playing peers as someone who makes the Richmond Football Club a better place to be.
A leading figure within the playing group, the three-time premiership Tiger has taken his on and off field game to another level during a period of great change.
On the field, he was admired for his hard-to-beat aerial power, for always setting the standard, and for being a supportive voice at all times.
Off the field, his nominations highlighted a genuine drive to help his teammates grow, an wavering care for those around him, and lauded Broad as the ultimate Richmond Man.
Recent winners of the Francis Bourke Award include Kane Lambert (twice), David Astbury, Jack Graham and Alex Rance.
In other awards on the night, Kaleb Smith received the David Mandie Community Award for his contribution to the Club's community programming and the broader community.
Smith went above and beyond this year to support and connect with different Club initiatives and communities, including Food Bank, the Bachar Houli Foundation and the Alannah and Madeline Foundation.
He also took the time to personally invest in connecting with the Richmond community, which also led to him winning the Club’s Yiooken Award.
Shai Bolton was the recipient of the Michael Roach Leading Goalkicker Award.
The electric forward, who booted 34 goals in 2024, received the accolade for the first time.
Seth Campbell was named as the Bill Cosgrove/Harry Jenkins Best First Year player.
To be eligible for the award, the player must play his first AFL game with the Richmond Football Club in the award year.
After an injury-impacted 2023, Campbell made his AFL debut in the opening round this year, and immediately cemented his spot in the senior side.
The 2022 draftee went on to play 21 games in his opening season, kicking 10 goals.
The promising youngster, 19, has impressed with his endurance, strong decision-making and foot skills.
Three Tigers tied for the Guinane Medal for the VFL Best and Fairest, Lachie Wilson, Tom Brindley and Sam Davidson, all VFL-listed players.
Wilson, 25, was a revelation in his debut VFL season as an inside midfielder/half-forward, averaging 21 disposals and six tackles per game and kicking six goals.
He starred in the VFL Tigers' win over Carlton in Round 14, racking up 34 disposals.
Brindley continued to showcase his athleticism, versatility and high-flying ability throughout his third season in the program.
He averaged 14 disposals across 18 matches, and took a whopping 10 marks in the Tigers' Dreamtime win over Essendon.
Also in his first season at the level, Davidson became the first VFL Tiger to receive the 2024 Fothergill-Round-Mitchell medal as the league’s most promising young player, and was also named in the 40-man Team of the Year squad alongside Wilson.
The 21-year-old enjoyed an impressive 2024, averaging 14 disposals, three marks and three tackles from his 17 outings.
Premiership-winning VWFL captain Teisha Shadwell was announced winner of the VWFL Seniors Best and Fairest Award after another incredibly consistent season.
Renowned as a wonderful team player and leader on and off the court, Shadwell is a rising star of the competition and a passionate advocate for female participation in sport.
Bryant Parsons was the winner of VWFL Development Best and Fairest award for the second year in a row.
Parsons put together another outstanding season at Tigerland, highlighting his standing as a fierce competitor and ever-reliable teammate.
