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The Bendigo Thunder has joined forces with AFL power Richmond to strengthen the talent and participation pathway for women in central Victoria.
The partnership will provide Bendigo Thunder’s players and coaches with development opportunities using Richmond’s vast range of on-field and off-field experience and facilities.
The partnership will see the Thunder play some home games at Punt Road Oval.
“We think is a great partnership,’’ Richmond CEO Brendon Gale said.
“We will 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.”
Bendigo Thunder chairman Ian Ross welcomed the deal with the Tigers.
“At the Bendigo Thunder we have six girls currently playing in the AFLW,’’ Ross said.
“Through this partnership with the Richmond Football Club girls from right around country Victoria will have the opportunity to train and play in Bendigo and still have the chance to play AFLW with Richmond in the future.”
The Bendigo Thunder’s senior team will compete in the Northern Football League in 2017. A second Bendigo Thunder side will play in the newly formed Goulburn Murray and Central Victorian League.
