Richmond’s 2026 AFLW campaign was given a fresh look, as new management, coaches and players entered the fold.

After finishing the season with four wins and eight losses, first-year co-captain Ellie McKenzie remained positive, highlighting the improvements her side has made in lifting its standards.

The midfielder also expressed confidence that the right foundations have been laid for seasons to come.

“I think (we had) a really positive season holistically. We were able to climb the ladder a little bit compared to last year and get a few more wins on the board earlier in the year,” McKenzie said.

“It was really pleasing for our group, and (we had a) new program, a new game plan. We're making strides in that and really developing, which is exciting for where we're going.

“I think the biggest thing for us was our standards on track and our professionalism, and I think that went to another level.

“We'll continue to grow from there with the foundations that we've set.”

Despite taking steps in the right direction by improving the win-loss record from last season, McKenzie admitted Richmond needs to uphold a more consistent brand of football if it wants to close the gap between the top sides.

“It's definitely really difficult. We struggled with that (consistency) in that middle part of the year when we lost a few games in a row, but the coaching staff and the program were really good at keeping us level,” McKenzie said.

“We speak about not riding the waves too high and too low, so it was good to get some wins early that really built confidence.

“We then played some really good teams in the back end, a lot of teams who were playing finals, so we had some really good challenges.

“I think those better teams are really consistent, and the difference between their best and their worst is really small.

“Whereas for us as a developing side with a lot of young players, I think when we're at our best, we're really challenging, and we can go against some of the best teams in the comp, but when we're probably not at our best, that's where we need a lift there.”

On a personal note, McKenzie was sidelined for the first four matches of the season with a forearm injury, returning to the side for the Round 5 win against St Kilda.

The elite midfielder quickly returned to fine form, enjoying one of her best seasons to date, averaging career highs in disposals (22.8), handballs (10.4), tackles (4.6) and clearances (4.8).

Having overcome injuries throughout her career, the 24-year-old said she was able to stay resilient whilst working her way back into the team.

“I've definitely had my fair share of injuries, so I think from the mental space I was able to lean on those experiences I've had before,” McKenzie said.

“It was an unlucky one and felt like I had probably my best pre-season to date, so then to get that close to the season and get injured was pretty disappointing.

“I was just trying to find ways to still impact the group and stay involved as much as possible.”

The first-year co-captain enjoyed the challenge of leading her team alongside Gabby Seymour and relished the opportunity, having taken over the reins from long-standing skipper Katie Brennan.

“I love the role, and doing it alongside Gab, I don't think there's anyone better to step out on the field with,” McKenzie said.

“I definitely had some challenges throughout the year and, for me, obviously wanting to lead by example is probably my strength, and I wasn't able to do that at the beginning of the year with my injury, so that was a bit of a challenge.

“But Gab was unreal, I think we worked really well together.”