Richmond is pleased to announce a new partnership with Bendigo Thunder Women’s Football Club, strengthening the talent and participation pathway for women in Victoria’s central and northern regions.
Established in 2011, the Bendigo Thunder has quickly developed a formidable record winning two Premierships in three grand final appearances, and having six players drafted to AFLW clubs.
The partnership will provide Bendigo Thunder’s players and coaches with development opportunities with Richmond coaches, players and staff and support Thunder to continue to attract football talent to the Club. Among other deliverables, the partnership will also see the Thunder playing some home games at Punt Road Oval.
Richmond CEO Brendon Gale said the new partnership was about supporting and strengthening the Bendigo Thunder.
“We think this is a great partnership. We will help develop the capacity and capability of the Bendigo Thunder and in so doing grow participation and develop a strong pathway for women and girls in the region,” Gale said.
“Through professional development opportunities and access to our facilities, we feel that we can make a difference and look forward to doing so long into the future.
“We were disappointed not to be a part of the inaugural AFLW but we remain committed to supporting the development of female football and think that an alignment such as this will strengthen our case, if, and when, the AFLW is expanded.
“It is also fantastic to have developed an alignment that is in a key area of our Next Generation Academy zone. Our activity in the region will nurture, develop and identify female talent and that will ultimately benefit the Bendigo Thunder.”
Ian Ross, Chairperson of the Bendigo Women’s Football Club, said it’s an exciting time for the Club who have six players currently competing in the AFLW.
“Through this partnership with the Richmond Football Club, women from right around country Victoria will have the opportunity to train and play in Bendigo, and hopefully the opportunity to play AFLW with Richmond in the future.”
In 2017, Bendigo Thunder will field two teams, one team will compete in the Northern Football League and be the only regional team competing against eight metropolitan teams, the Club has recently established a new team to compete in the Goulburn Murray and Central Victorian League.
The Club currently has 57 registered players, led by General Manager Bryan Coghlan and coached by Cherie O’Neill, who was named the AFL Victoria Coach of the Year, and assisted by Russell Radcliffe. The Thunder's current home ground is Bendigo's iconic Queen Elizabeth Oval.
