Richmond’s maiden AFLW recruit Katie Brennan says moving to Tigerland will offer her a “fresh start” to reinvigorate her football career.
The former Western Bulldogs AFLW captain, who has committed to Richmond for two years, said she needed “a new challenge and a new environment”.
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“This move for me was based on the fact that I feel I need a fresh start with my football,” she said.
“It’s been a pretty challenging few years with an ankle injury and missing the Grand Final last year.
“For me, this is a really fresh and exciting start to build something really special, and to be a pioneer here at Richmond is something that I’ll hold really close to my heart.”
The talented forward is the first of up to 12 AFLW-listed players Richmond can announce over the AFLW sign and trade period, which concludes on April 18.
The 26-year-old was yesterday welcomed to the Richmond community by Club President Peggy O’Neal and men’s team captain Trent Cotchin.
Brennan said it was “amazing to be a part of something so special” and that she couldn’t wait to meet her new teammates.
“Peggy and the rest of the leadership here are really committed to building a long-term and successful and sustainable football program, and they’ve been incredible so far so we’re really excited to start building it,” she said.
“With everything I’ve heard about the Club and all the experiences I’ve had so far with Richmond, they’re driven for success and they’re driven to make this program as amazing as possible.”
View this post on InstagramOur first AFLW Tiger Welcome to Tigerland, @_katiebrennan! #TheHuntBegins
Brennan joins a number of esteemed ‘KB’s in Richmond history, most notably Kevin Bartlett, but said she’s well-equipped at handling the pressure of being a leading player.
“I love that challenge, I love the fact that (I’m) paving the way and that really excites me,” she said.
“I’m focusing on the things I can really control, which is working hard and training hard and building a really special culture and team here at Richmond.
“Along with many of the girls that come from AFLW Clubs, we’ll bring all of the experiences that we’ve learnt.”
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Brennan will pull on the Yellow and Black in the upcoming months with Richmond’s VFLW side, and is raring to take to the training track with her new Tiger teammates.
“I wanted to come in and start training this morning so I’m champing at the bit to get out there,” she said.
“And particularly to meet the VFLW team and slot into the structures and the program they have here, start to learn the game plan and everything around that.
“Individually I feel like I came off the back of a season where I was able to play all seven games, and I feel I’m building some momentum going into 2020.”
