Richmond has recognised the outstanding staff and players who best display the Club wide value of connection by naming them 2021 winners of the Bunjil Award.
Established in 2014, the Bunjil Awards are peer-voted awards to recognise those who role model Richmond values and behaviours and embody what it is to be a Richmond person.
The theme of “connection” coincides with the 2021 Dreamtime Jumper that tells the story of the journey to reconciliation, the bond between players and the strength of connections made both on and off the field at the Club.
At AFL level Kamdyn McIntosh was selected by Richmond staff and his playing group peers as the Bunjil winner, with 2019 Bunjil recipient Kane Lambert and Bachar Houli also receiving nominations.
In her first year at the Club, Sarah Hosking was the AFLW player recognised for the honour, highlighting the immense impact she had, adding connection amongst the playing group and the broader football club.
The Richmond Football Club staff honour was given to the Club’s Education Manager (School and Community Programs), Airlie Tudhope, while Aligned Leisure Lifeguard Captain Billy Sunjo received the award among Aligned Leisure staff.
Bunjil Award recipients 2021
AFL Player Award
Finalists: Kane Lambert, Bachar Houli
Winner: Kamdyn McIntosh
Nominated for:
“Kamdyn is very welcoming and warm to all. Even with AFL bubble constraints, Kamdyn attempts to connect all corners of the Club. Off his own bat, he recently reached out to arrange a staff and player social event to help reconnect us all. He is also forever obliging to our members and fans.”
“Always a friendly smiling face around the Club, who chips in and helps out when needed. Kamdyn is very easy to work with and never complains.”
“Kamdyn goes above and beyond to organise player gatherings or bring people together.”
AFLW Player Award
Finalists: Akec Makur Chuot, Sarah D’Arcy
Winner: Sarah Hosking
Nominated for:
“For a new Tiger, Sarah has made an immediate connection with her peers, staff and fans. Her attitude and behaviours demonstrate that she is a connected Richmond Woman.”
“Sarah is such a kind person, (she is) always up for a chat no matter who you are. She has been such a great addition to the Club.”
Richmond Person
Finalists: Samantha James (Accounts Officer), Anthony Fagan (AFLW & Second Tier Football Operations Coordinator)
Winner: Airlie Tudhope (Education Manager, School and Community Programs)
Nominated for:
“Airlie always goes above and beyond to assist, guide and support all staff at all levels.”
“Airlie does a great job of connection in that she manages the three SBAT cohorts. They are spread across Eltham, Cardinia and Wodonga and she manages the connection between all three brilliantly.”
“Airlie does a great job connecting with me on a personal level. She is very understanding of the things I have going on at home and does a great job of always checking in on me.”
Aligned Leisure Person
Finalists: Chris Banbury (Head of Customer Experience, Cardinia), Gemma Thorneycroft (Customer Experience Officer, Albury-Wodonga), Caitlin Simmons (Mildura Leisure Manager)
Winner: Billy Sunjo (Lifeguard Captain, Eltham)
Nominated for:
“Billy makes an effort to connect with every guard individually. He checks up on their well-being, emotional and physical health, as well as getting to know every person he meets.”
“Billy always has a big grin on his face (and is) ready to say hello and have a chat whenever he is around. He makes it a great working environment.”
