Richmond has landed former AFLW midfielder Jess Kennedy as the Club's latest VFLW signing.
Kennedy, 27, joins Richmond from Carlton, where she played four AFLW matches for the Blues in the inaugural competition.
A physiotherapist by trade, Kennedy spent five years with Bendigo Thunder, where she played in three Grand Finals and won two premierships.
She took out Thunder's best and fairest award in 2016, before she was drafted to Carlton as a free agent.
“I was really excited that the VFLW expanded and that Richmond had gained a licence,” Kennedy said.
“Hearing of the connection that (the Tigers) had with Bendigo Thunder, and the pathway for women in that region to come and play, I was in contact with (Richmond's AFLW Football Operations Manager) Kate Sheahan and it rolled on from there."
Kennedy brings a wealth of experience to the VFLW Tigers and her ability to find her way through contests and emerge with the ball is what makes her a damaging player.
She spoke of the excitement surrounding the inaugural AFLW match, of which she was a part.
“I don’t think I’ve had an experience in the rest of my life like that very first AFLW game,” she said.
“The hair still stands up on the back of my neck when I think about it.
“It was an unreal atmosphere and to think that it was initially going to be at Olympic Park where a couple of people might have walked up to the fence, to a (Princess Park) lockout and get the win was incredible.”
Kennedy comes from a strong sporting background, although she quickly fell in love with football.
“When I was growing up I played a lot of netball and did a lot of swimming and athletics and school sports, softball, but never played football,” she said.
“It wasn’t until I got to university that Bendigo started a team and I was dragged down with a friend and haven’t left.”
Sheahan welcomed Kennedy to Richmond.
"We were attracted to Jess because of her elite training habits, professionalism and speed," Sheahan said.
"Her ability to break the lines with her speed is one of her greatest attributes.
"She has experience at AFLW-level and we think she is a terrific addition to our growing list."
