Richmond has added Casey Demons VFLW inside midfielder Meg Macdonald to its AFLW primary list ahead of the 2022 season.
Macdonald, 23, ended the most recent VFLW season in strong form, averaging 16 disposals and eight tackles per game across her final five matches after being moved into the midfield from defence.
The Tyabb product, who is a lifelong Tigers supporter, said it was a dream come true to be added to Richmond's AFLW list.
"It is not something I ever would have thought I was capable of," she said.
"Before the last couple of years, I probably would have put it past me, but after a good (VFLW) season, I realised it was maybe within my reach, and I have worked really hard for a couple of years to try and get here.
"It is life-changing."
Macdonald, who stands at 172cm, first joined the Tigers for training on New Year's Eve, where she was greeted by former Seaford teammates Sarah and Jess Hosking.
"I have only been with the group for two sessions, but it seems like an awesome bunch of girls and there are some great coaches, so I already know that I will learn heaps.
"A role as an inside mid is what I will be working towards and I have been training with the midfield group, so I am looking forward to continuing that."
Richmond AFLW Recruiting Manager Trent Mosbey said Macdonald was a great story of perseverance, hard work and determination.
"Meg typifies the type of character we are looking for at the Tigers," he said.
"She finished last year strongly and won the Casey Demons Trademarks and Values Award for the way she prepares and goes about her football on and off the field.
"What caught our attention was Meg's ability to exit the stoppage with her power. She has good speed, explosiveness, excellent intensity, and contested ball-winning ability.
"We also highly regard her tackling, physicality and aggression at her opponents and ability to play in defence on different sized opponents.
"Meg has earned this opportunity off the back of her 2021 form and we are excited to watch how she continues to grow within an AFLW program."
Macdonald will wear number 38 for Richmond this season.
