Dear Members,
As we approach our first home game for the season this Sunday against Port Adelaide, I thought it was timely to provide my first update of 2024 to members and supporters.
After an off-season of much change at the Club, it has been great to have football back. While these games haven’t resulted in wins, after the poor first half against the Suns there has been a lot to like.
The fight and competitiveness that the players showed last Thursday night was terrific given the significant toll injuries took in the first half. We got an insight into the resilience of our playing group in the face of adversity. I know Adem Yze, and the coaching group were particularly pleased with our efforts at the contest, led by the welcome return of our captain Toby Nankervis. It gives us great confidence and a foundation to build upon.
And that starts this Sunday against Port Adelaide at the MCG. The weather looks perfect, and it would be a fantastic boost to Adem and the team to see as many Richmond fans as possible fill a sun-bathed MCG. The team thrives on your support so please be there if you can. With Toby, Tom Lynch and Dustin Martin playing together again on the 'G, and the debut of Mykelti Lefau just 34 days on from his selection in the pre-season there is so much to look forward to about this week’s game.
We were all devastated to see Josh Gibcus suffer a serious knee injury that has ended his season. But as a Club we will provide Josh all the support he needs during his recovery. While it is an incredibly difficult time for Josh and his family, they know how much he means to us and we have no doubt he will return bigger, better and a key part of our future.
Injuries of course test the depth of any team, and our young players will get their opportunity in the coming weeks. Blair Hartley and his list management team have identified some excellent young talent in recent seasons, and we look forward to watching them on the big stage. Seth Campbell is one such player, hitting the scoreboard in his first two games and giving us a glimpse of what lies ahead.
Our Club membership is approaching 90,000 and we thank every member that has joined for this season. Our membership base is absolutely critical to keeping us strong on and off the field so if you haven’t joined up as yet, and you have the means, please do.
Off-field, we remain committed to commencing the Punt Road Oval redevelopment this year. Increased costs have complicated our plans somewhat and, on behalf of members, the Board is conscious of taking a responsible approach to debt in the current economic climate.
That said, we still expect to commence works this year. This redevelopment is vital to our future. It will strengthen us off-field and give us the opportunity to win on-field.
As part of this, we will shortly launch a key consumer fundraising campaign, engaging the might of the Tiger Army to kick-start our final push. Please keep an eye out for it and as always, any support is greatly appreciated.
Our subsidiary business, Aligned Leisure, has also grown significantly since my last report. The City of Casey has appointed our team to manage their seven facilities from July this year. With an annual visitation of 3.5 million people this is a significant boost for the business. The establishment of Aligned Leisure was an important strategic decision to diversify our revenue streams and its role in our operations continues to evolve.
Lastly, all of us at the Richmond Football Club were deeply saddened to learn that Denise Bartlett – wife of Kevin – had passed away. Denise has been a cherished part of the Richmond family and Kevin and her were inseparable. To Kevin, Sharna, Cara, Breanna, and Rhett, you are in all our thoughts. Our players will wear black armbands this weekend as a mark of respect.
Thank you all again for your incredible support and remind you once more that the absolute best way you can contribute to your Club is through membership and attending our matches.
Go Tiges.
John O’Rourke
President
Richmond Football Club
