The VFL Tigers welcomed top-ranked wheelchair tennis player Alfie Hewett to Punt Road Oval on Thursday afternoon.
Hewett took a break from his Australian Open preparations as he swapped his racket for a football and had a crack at handballing with the boys.
Despite only being 21, the Brit boasts a decorated career as the number one wheelchair tennis player in the world, and is also ranked second in doubles.
VFL Coaching Coordinator Marc Sophoulis said the Tigers were thrilled to introduce the star player to Tigerland and draw inspiration from his achievements.
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Sophoulis said Hewett was “over the moon” to see the VFL Tigers in action and commented on the connection and camaraderie within the side.
“In an individual sport you don’t see that and he loved to see everyone with a common goal,” Sophoulis said.
Hewett said on Instagram that it was a “cracking experience to watch the @richmond_fc @richmondvfl boys behind the scenes”, complete with thehashtag #gotiges.
You can catch Hewett in action at the Australian Open next week, when he embarks on his 2019 campaign.
