Former Bendigo Thunder midfielder Jess Kennedy will captain the VFLW Tigers in 2018, after the Club unveiled its inaugural leadership group.
Kennedy, 27, will be joined by co-vice captains Elise Hogan and Kate Dixon.
Hogan, 27, also joined the VFLW Tigers from Thunder, while Dixon, 29, was recruited from Echuca Football Netball Club.
Kennedy said it was a privilege to captain the Club’s inaugural VFLW side.
“I’m absolutely honoured and super excited for what it brings,” Kennedy said.
“To be part of the leadership is great, but I’m more excited to be part of the first ever team at Richmond in the VFLW, to be alongside all of the other girls, and even more excited for what’s ahead for the whole group.
“I think if someone was to talk about me as a leader, I want them to know I’ve put in absolutely everything I can into my own performance, my own preparation. And for the team, I want to be known as someone who’s got a really big heart and lead by example. I’m a vocal person but I really do hope it’s my actions that speak louder.”
On the eve of the VLFW Tigers’ historic Round 1 clash against the Western Bulldogs, Kennedy said the young and energetic group was ready for the challenge.
“With our style we’re going to bring a lot of defensive pressure, be really hard at it and force the opposition teams into lots of errors,” she said.
“When we have the ball, we want to move it really quickly.”
Elise Hogan (co-vice captain), Jess Kennedy (captain) and Kate Dixon (co-vice captain).
The Tigers were granted a VFLW licence for the 2018 season, before they enter the AFLW competition in 2020.
Kennedy said the list formed a mix of young and experienced players – with some players relatively new to the sport.
She hoped the Tiger Army would throw their support behind the Club’s newest team.
“The Richmond fans should get excited about some of the talent that’s going to be on display,” she said.
“We play against the Bulldogs in a double-header with the VFL men’s and it will the first time that a lot of these girls play VFLW women’s footy, stepping up from local competitions. They’re more than ready for it.”
Saturday’s Round 1 match kicks off at Whitten Oval at 4pm. Richmond supporters can follow play-by-play updates on the Richmond Womens Twitter account.
Richmond VFLW Round 1 squad
Please note players will wear the below numbers in tomorrow's match
B: 69 E. Burry, 77 J. Hocking, 84 L. Bieniara
HB: 73 L. Davie, 63 J. Graham, 70 E. Findlay
C: 58 C. Musico, 76 E. Ross, 60 K. Dempsey
HF: 56 E. Hogan, 64 E. Gunn, 53 K. Dixon
F: 80 J. Louttit 81, E. George, 86 N. Clarke
R: 68 A. Edmonds, 61 J. Colwell, 52 J. Kennedy
I/C: 83 J. Gardner, 62 T. Muller, 75 B. Lynch, 59 A. Woodward, 78 V. Tonin
