Cardinia Shire Council is excited to play host to an AFL Pre-Season Challenge Game in February, in a first for Cardinia Shire. Richmond Football Club will take on Hawthorn Football Club at Holm Park Recreation Reserve, Beaconsfield at 4.40pm on Saturday 27 February.

The game will be held in Cardinia Shire as part of the Council’s partnership with the Richmond Football Club.

Mayor Cr Leticia Wilmot said Cardinia Shire’s partnership with the Richmond Football Club was delivering some fantastic benefits to the local community.

“It has been fantastic to see the club being so active in Cardinia Shire, and even better to see so many Cardinia Shire residents taking up the opportunities to take part in training days, club and business development sessions, the Tiger PAW (Physical Activity and Wellbeing) program and Richmond’s charity partner The Alannah and Madeline Foundation’s Better Buddies Program,” she said.

“Grab the kids, grab a picnic rug and enjoy the rare opportunity to see some of the big names in footy playing at your local oval. We hope plenty of our residents take advantage of this chance to see the ‘tiges’ in action!”

Richmond Football Club president Peggy O’Neal said it was fantastic that the club and Council were able to work together to secure this game.

“We understand creating new event opportunities is a priority for the Shire and this game will no doubt bring many visitors to the region,” she said.

“Richmond has terrific support in the south-east of Melbourne and we are sure our fans, and the broader community, will enjoy the chance to watch elite-level football in their own backyard.”

“We want to further establish our presence in this community in the years to come and this game is a significant step forward.”