The entire Richmond Football Club Group gathered to celebrate and acknowledge their People Awards as part of the organisation's annual Dreamtime traditions.

Just as Dreamtime week honours First Nations culture, the Richmond Yiooken Awards recognise the outstanding individuals who embody the Club’s Values of Aware, United, Relentless and Disciplined.

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 11 years, the Club has presented its People Award in Dreamtime week to honour its significance.

MITS students Dermilie Mcgorm-Tipungwuti and Darrius Johns helped present the awards to the recipients, presented to those who best display the Values of Aware, Relentless, Disciplined and United.

Men's player Judson Clarke received the AFL Yiooken Award, celebrated for his infectious positivity during his rehabilitation of his ACL, while also leading and supporting his teammates, and connecting the staff and playing groups.

It is Clarke's second Yiooken Award, winning the same honour back in 2023. This year, he was lauded for his relentlessness, his ability and willingness to show up for others, and contributing and connecting with the broader Club, despite facing his own setbacks.

His authenticity shone through with each nomination, bringing people together across men’s and women’s programs, connecting with staff, and helping build a one Club mentality in a really authentic way.

Honourable mentions for the men's program included Nathan Broad and Campbell Gray, who were celebrated for their positivity, gratitude, relentless commitment, team focus, connection and approachability across the entire Club.

Rebecca Miller was awarded the AFLW Yiooken Award. It was also her second win, after taking home the honour back in 2022. Miller was celebrated as being an incredibly aware and connected person, who takes time to remember the small things and make everyone who crosses her path feel important.

Her relentlessness stood out in nominations, not only regarding on-field attitude and performance, but the additional contributions beyond football, in their work, leadership and ability to unite others.

Miller's respect, care and gratitude was on display, as well as her ability to bring positivity to each situation, making the Club better each day.

Honourable mentions for the AFLW award went to Sarah Hosking, Gabby Seymour and Maddie Shevlin. The trio set the standard, involving themselves across the entire Club, leading by example and showing discipline in their training and playing habits, which lifts the program and contributes to future success.

The Richmond Person Yiooken Award was awarded to Chloe Psyhogios, for her drive and willingness to unite all facets of the Club. She was lauded for her ability to create opportunities for people to come together, celebrate, and feel part of something bigger. A sense of connection came through in so many nominations.

Psyhogios showed traits of awareness and relentlessness in their work into bringing people together, while looking to improve her own output in the Club, making it a better place to be part of every day.

Honourable mentions for the staff award included John Paravizzini and Indra Campbell, the AFL and AFLW property managers. The pair's ability to go above and beyond in their roles in support of both programs, as well as other staff, for the betterment of the Club, was celebrated in their nominations.

This Aligned Leisure Yiooken Person Award was won by Paula Smith, who continues to make a real impact in both their team and the community, showing relentless commitment through connections with Life Saving Victoria.

Smith was lauded as a disciplined leader who supports staff, manages challenges and ensures a positive experience, stepping up to support community programs, including outreach and initiatives that improve access and wellbeing.

The Richmond Institute Student Yiooken Award will be presented in front of their peers this week, with four finalists; Leo Howard, Rocky Gallicchio, Liam Collins and Aleisha Carroll all in attendance at the luncheon.