Swinburne University extends Richmond AFLW partnership

Richmond FC has announced that Swinburne University has extended its partnership with the Club’s AFLW program until the end of 2024.

In partnership since 2017, with Swinburne stepping straight in to partner the Club’s AFLW program from its inaugural year in 2020, the link has seen University support elite sporting pathways for women, including student placements and internships.

Richmond’s reigning AFLW best and fairest winner Monique Conti and last year’s No. 1 draft pick Ellie McKenzie are studying at Swinburne and enhancing their future career prospects.

McKenzie is in her first year of a Bachelor of Business at the University and Conti a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences. Both athletes have expressed their appreciation of the flexibility afforded to all students and their studies.

Advising that Swinburne is a valued partner for the Club and that the University’s support of the Women’s program had been tremendous, Richmond Chief Executive, Brendon Gale stated “Swinburne has backed our AFLW team since the beginning. It is fantastic to see that Swinburne is entrenched within our program and is helping our players to succeed both on and off the field.

“Already, we have some significant initiatives in place with Swinburne through the partnership that are mutually beneficial for what we want to achieve as businesses with shared values.

“Our AFLW Tigers will play five games at the Swinburne Centre in 2022, one up from last year and inclusive of our marquee Pride and Indigenous Round matches which the whole Club is very excited to be hosting.”

Swinburne’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Pascale Quester said the strengthened relationship between Richmond and Swinburne deserved to be celebrated, adding “Swinburne is proud to renew our partnership with Richmond and their AFLW program, and we are eager to remain a strong part of the club’s rich and evolving history, particularly in a period of significant growth and innovation within women’s football.

“It has been a privilege to support Monique Conti and Ellie McKenzie in their studies. Swinburne is committed to guiding them, and future players, to successful careers beyond football with the same passion as Richmond’s supporters.”

The extension will see Swinburne's logo continue to feature prominently on the AFLW playing shorts for the next three seasons.

Richmond hosted Melbourne in a sell-out crowd at the Swinburne Centre on Friday night, the Tigers’ first home game for the season.

Image: Swinburne will continue to support Richmond AFLW players and the football program for another three seasons. Credit: Richmond Media.