Richmond was today advised by the AFL it had been unsuccessful in its bid for a licence in the AFL’s National Women’s League.

While the Club is disappointed with the decision it will in no way diminish the Club’s efforts to drive the gender equity and diversity agenda in elite sport.

In many ways, Richmond has led the way in promoting diversity, inclusion and gender equity.

Three years ago, the Club approached the AFL and the Australian Sports Commission and asked them to join as partners in a research project that would identify how elite sport could be more inclusive for women. That research has informed meaningful change.

As part of that project, Richmond was instrumental in establishing the Elite Sport Male Champions of Change, comprising 13 CEO’s from seven different sports where collective decisions could be made on advancing women in all aspects of sport.

These, and other actions, have been undertaken because it is the right thing to do. While we believed this track record would have us well-placed when the AFL considered NWL licences, securing a licence was never the reason we committed to gender equity.

Despite today’s decision, we will remain as determined as ever to driving equity and diversity outcomes.