Richmond CEO Brendon Gale says the Club’s new playing surface is the latest milestone for the Club, as it continues to invest in its facilities.

After months of re-surfacing works on Punt Road Oval, the Tigers conducted their first training session on the new oval yesterday.

“A lot of people have put in a lot of hard work, and we’re extremely grateful for the financial support we received from our people – our members, our Fighting Tiger Fund, and the AFL, that has allowed this to happen,” Gale said.

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“We’ve been here since 1885.  We’ve got the great ME Bank Centre here for our players, and now we’ve got this wonderful oval, and we’re still at the place we’ve always been – Punt Road Oval.

“It’s an elite oval now, fit for the purpose of training for AFL football, and second tier footy as well.”

The enormity of the works was not lost on the players, who gave thanks to Richmond’s members and fans for their financial support through the Fighting Tiger Fund…

Ty Vickery – “Without their support, it wouldn’t have been possible, and it takes the Club a fair few steps forward really quickly, so we're very thankful and appreciative.”

Daniel Jackson – “We asked a lot of them over the last few years.  Sometimes it can seem a bit strenuous when the Club’s putting the hand out, but it’s all for the right reasons, and I’m sure it’s going to be a real investment for them when they can come to the G this year and watch us a win a few more games.”

Alex Rance – “There’s obviously a massive thank you that goes out to everyone out there for their support.  We’ve got fantastic facilities now, and a fantastic ground.  We’re putting in the hard yards to make sure we pay you back.”

Watch highlights of the Tigers’ first training session back on Punt Road Oval, and here the thoughts of the players, by clicking on the video player above