Richmond has signed All-Australian forward Christina Bernardi for the 2020 and 2021 AFLW seasons.
Bernardi, who has averaged more than a goal a game since debuting in the inaugural AFLW match in 2017, is one of the competition’s most damaging forwards.
MEMBERSHIP Become one of the Club's first inaugural Women's Football Foundation members
She was originally drafted by Collingwood in the 2016 National Draft after previously playing for the RMIT Redbacks and Diamond Creek.
The 28-year-old led the Magpies’ goal kicking in their 2018 campaign, and was a strong performer for the GWS Giants this season.
View this post on InstagramAll-Australian forward @christina_bernardi is our fifth AFLW signing ✍️ #TheHuntBegins
Richmond Women’s Football Operations Manager, Kate Sheahan, said it was fantastic to have Bernardi, who played for the Tigers in the VFLW last season, back in Yellow and Black.
“We love what Christina will be able to bring as a player and a leader to our emerging football team,” she said.
“She is looking super fit, and we feel she will really flourish back in Melbourne and in our football program.”
BROWSE Find a 2019 membership package suited to you
Bernardi said she was thrilled to be one of Richmond’s first AFLW signings, and couldn’t wait to return to Tigerland.
“I really liked (playing in Richmond’s VFLW side last year). I got to know a lot of the staff and I just liked the vibe of the Club, so I was pretty keen to come back,” she said.
After three years of experience in the AFLW, Bernardi is looking forward to bringing her leadership qualities to Richmond.
“I’ve been in the system for a while so I’m excited to help the young kids out,” she said.
