Richmond AFLW team [merged]

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From Prez John O'Rourke:

As members would be aware, the Club commissioned a comprehensive external review of our AFLW program in
October. We could not ignore our on-field results this season and the Board is determined to build a program that
gives our female athletes the best chance of success.

The Board and management thoroughly considered the findings of the review, and it was decided that Ryan
Ferguson would not be retained as senior coach and that Kate Sheahan’s role as Executive Head of Women’s
Football would be made redundant and replaced by the elevated role of General Manager- Women’s Football,
reporting directly to the CEO.

I want to acknowledge the unwavering commitment of both Ryan and Kate. They are great football people that
built the Club’s AFLW program from the ground up and that has taken enormous energy, passion and care. We
wish them well for whatever lies ahead.

Other recommendations were made to management to address internal alignment and accountability, leadership,
list-build and communications. These will be addressed during the off-season.

Despite the difficult season on-field, congratulations must go to Monique Conti on a seventh consecutive
Richmond AFLW best and fairest. We are so blessed to have Mon as part of our Club, and we know her passion
and drive will continue to help our program going forward.

It was also terrific to see Ellie McKenzie back on the podium this season in second place. Ellie is another
supremely talented player who had a fantastic season. Congratulations to all the award winners on the night.

https://resources.richmondfc.com.au/aflc-rich/document/2025/12/19/c8c7ef97-e0eb-4fbe-be33-c20120618dc3/RFC-FY25-Concise-Annual-Report-signed-18.12.25-.pdf

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LISTEN: Your club's No.1 priority for 2026

Sarah Black
afl.com.au
1 Jan 2026



Solve the Courtney Wakefield problem

Since All-Australian key forward Courtney Wakefield retired at the end of 2022, Richmond has struggled to organise its forward line around a big, strong aerial target. Former captain Katie Brennan was handy in attack in the proceeding two seasons, kicking 14 and 13 goals respectively, while Caitlin Greiser reached a high point in 2024 with 13 goals of her own, but cohesion and consistency is still lacking.

"I've been banging my head against the wall about this for a number of years," Black said.

The addition of Paige Scott in 2025 was meant to help matters, but the need to bring them high up the ground to support other areas still left the forward line lacking, and small pressure forward Emelia Yassir had a down year based on her standards.

Richmond's best performances came when dynamic midfielder Ellie McKenzie got dangerous ahead of the ball, thanks to her neat skill and impressive ability overhead. It was thanks to three goals from McKenzie that the side broke through for its first win of the season against Adelaide in round eight, and if the magnets can move to release her into the forward line more consistently, McKenzie could be the player to solve the Courtney Wakefield problem.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1460083/w-download-your-clubs-no1-priority-for-2026

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Your club's best 21: Who's in, who's out, who's new

Gemma Bastiani has compiled her predicted starting 21 for each team ahead of the 2026 season

By Gemma Bastiani
afl.com.au
Jan 8, 2026



Throughout the player movement period, the Tigers targeted some athleticism and speed. One inclusion along those lines is untried Roo Georgia Stubs who seems ready to take up a place at half back. Irishwoman Aoibhin Cleary will be better for her taste of the top level late in 2025, and will make the wing her own, as will Beth Lynch as she graduates from half back. In the moments Lynch played higher in 2025, she was exceptionally creative with her use, setting up plenty of attacking forays. No.1 draft pick Olivia Wolmarans will take her place at centre half forward, as nippy duo Mackenzie Ford and Emelia Yassir work at her feet, as Katie Brennan resumes her post. Caitlin Greiser remains in the side for now, but once ruck Montana McKinnon is back at full strength, there is a high likelihood that it is Greiser who makes way for her return. The evolution of Sierra Grieves, Isabel Bacon's impressive year in the middle, the addition of Dana East from Fremantle, and the likely emergence of Zoe Hargreaves from injury all makes life tough for players like Ally Dallaway, Montana Beruldsen, and Charli Wicksteed to break into the team.

*players in italics are new to the club

B: Libby Graham, Bec Miller

HB: Sarah Hosking, Gabby Seymour, Georgia Stubs

C: Aoibhin Cleary, Ellie McKenzie, Beth Lynch

HF: Katie Brennan, Olivia Wolmarans, Mackenzie Ford

F: Emelia Yassir, Caitlin Greiser

Foll: Poppy Kelly, Monique Conti, Isabel Bacon

I/C: Sierra Grieves, Laura McClelland, Paige Scott, Dana East, Zoe Hargreaves

Depth: Charli Wicksteed, Ana Mulholland, Fina Dethfelsen, Baia Pugh, Maddie Shevlin, Kate Dempsey, Ally Dallaway, Montana Beruldsen, Montana McKinnon

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1460641/your-clubs-best-aflw-21-whos-in-whos-out-whos-new