The entire Richmond Football Club Group have once again celebrated their People Awards as part of our annual Dreamtime traditions.
Just as Dreamtime week honours First Nations culture, the Richmond Yiooken Awards recognise the outstanding individuals who embody the Club’s Culture and Purpose of Belonging, Thriving and Winning. Rhyan Mansell also spoke to attendees about his experience designing this year's Dreamtime guernsey and how excited he is to wear it at next Friday night's game.
Yiooken is the Woiwurrung word for Dreaming and speaks to the generational work of the Dreamtime game. Since 2006, a Yiooken Award has been presented to the best on ground player at Dreamtime at the 'G between Richmond and Essendon, and for the past 10 years the Club has presented its People Award in Dreamtime week to honour its significance.
AFL player Nathan Broad received the AFL Player honour, lauded by nominees as someone who consistently lives the values of the Club, promoting unity within the team and building connections across both staff and players.
Kaleb Smith, Judson Clarke, Kamdyn McIntosh and Mykelti Lefau were all noted as Honourable Mentions.
In the AFLW player category, Sarah Hosking won her second People Award in her time at the Tigers. Well known for her warm and engaging personality, Sarah was recognised for her commitment to the broader community through her work with Korin Gamadji and the Next Generation Academy, as well as her relentless pursuit of excellence.
Honourable Mentions went to Bec Miller, Katelyn Cox and Katie Brennan.
The Richmond Person honour was awarded to Ebony Rocci (Commercial Operations & Special Projects Manager), in recognition of her unwavering commitment to the Club and our people, and ability to make everyone feel welcomed and valued.
The Aligned Leisure Person award winner was Albury-Wodonga’s Shannon Morris who, in her role as People & Compliance Coordinator, takes “genuine joy” in helping others and creating connection.
The Yiooken Awards also recognised the next generation of Richmond People. Each year the Club celebrates Dreamtime with MITS (Melbourne Indigenous Transition School) students and staff, who have an exciting opportunity to meet and lunch with the players and others from across the Club. Marie Juliette Tipungwuti, a “natural leader” who embodies all of MITS values, was awarded the MITS Student Yiooken Award.
Three Richmond Institute students, Amy Masters, Anthony Musico and Lucas Hall, were also nominated for their active creation of an inclusive and supportive environment. The winner will be announced in front of their peers next week.
