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Women's Football Chronology

Women's Football Chronology

A chronology of Women's contribution and football with the Richmond Football Club through the years.
(Maintained by Rhett Bartlett)

1892
Lady members of the club, in conjunction with the RFC and RCC hold a "Bruce Auction" during the year, to raise funds for the Relief Committee, helping those affected by the '1891 Great Flood' which forced more than 3000 people to abandon their homes in Richmond , Collingwood and Prahran.


1894
Tuesday, October 16
“The ladies of the Club” give a social evening to the players in the Town Hall. It raises L20 0s. 6d. for the club.

1895
Saturday, April 13
On Easter Saturday Carlton defeats Richmond six goals to five in the first senior (non-premiership) football game on the Richmond City Reserve. A portion of the ground is set aside for the ladies.

1897
Tuesday, September 20
The Lady Supporters' Committee hold their meeting at Mr Malone's Hotel. It is a notable for it is documented as a standalone entry in the club's 1897 Minute Book. Donations on the night total around 28/6


1900 - 1905
Of the many Vice Presidents of the Richmond Football Club in the early 1900s, only three are women. Mrs Webster, Mrs Stevens, and Miss Annie Marie Tabulo who was the proprietor of the Surrey Hotel, Lennox Street, Richmond.

1901
September
The Ladies Committee organise a grand social evening in the Masonic Hall.
Mr George Male (committeeman) and his wife host the players a grand smoke night , with over 200 people attending. "It was voted one of the best nights ever organised" (RFC Annual Report 1902)

1902
Saturday, May 3
Richmond defeats Port Melbourne in the opening game at Richmond.
A new club flag is raised. Alex Stevens’s wife organised lady supporters to raise money for it. The new flag replaces the now tattered 1888 club flag.

Saturday, August 9
Richmond treats Essendon Town’s and Richmond’s lady supporters to afternoon tea at their ground.

1903
Tuesday, March 24
The football club discuss erecting a shelter for the ladies’ reserve.

1904
Saturday July 2
The football club considers purchasing a pavilion for the ladies reserve.

1905
Tuesday, April 11
One ladies ticket is to be given with each member’s ticket. Additional ladies tickets are to be 6d. each.

1906
The Melbourne Cricket Club decides to present free the Smokers’ Pavilion to the Richmond Cricket Club.
Erected at Richmond in time for the football season, it became known as the Ladies’ Pavilion.

1908
Saturday, July 18
William Mahoney is presented with a silver hot water kettle at the half-time interval of Richmond’s home match against Essendon. It was “... on behalf of the lady members of the club, for his manly and gentlemanly conduct on and off the field.”

Friday, September 11
The lady members treat Richmond’s players to a social at the Town Hall.

1909
early in the year
The Lady Members' Social Committee (which includes W. Taylor (hon. secretary), Mrs Mullaven (hon. treasurer), tender the players and committee a complimentary social at the local Town Hall.

middle of the year
The Richmond committee, in return to the above social, tendered the Ladies' Committee and members of the team a drag outing to Aspendale. The day was spent at the Chalet and on the beach.

Thursday, August 5
The ladies of the club tender the players a complimentary social at the Town Hall.

Thursday, September 16
Richmond tenders a “Cinderella” dance to the ladies of the social committee at the Town Hall.

1910
Wednesday, June 8
The social tendered to the players by the ladies’ committee attracts 180 people to the Town Hall.
It is less than half the attendance of last year’s function.

October 20
Mrs Manzie (wife of Honorary Secretary Andrew Manzie) receives a silver afternoon tea service at the complimentary smoke night. The function was held at Sargent's Cafe , and was to honour and appreciate Andrew Manzie's contribution to the club.

Saturday, November 12
Mr and Mrs Murphy (proprietors of the Grimbly's Hotel, Brighton Beach) host a smoke night for the team and committees

1911
Monday, February 27
A Special Meeting of the Richmond Football Club, called by 100 members, convenes at the Richmond Town Hall, regarding open professionalism. Around 600 members attend, in particular, the chairman J Digby notes, many ladies are present.

Monday, September 4
The ladies of the club tender a social at the Town Hall.

The club's Annual Report recognises that "the ladies were again very kind last year, and worked hard to make the season socially enjoyable. The member of the social committee tendered a complimentary dance to the team and committee during the season in the local Town Hall. We have to specifically thank Mrs A Whitaker (hon secretary), Mrs Mulavin (hon. treasurer) and the lady members of the committee for the untiring efforts to make the evening a most enjoyable one to all present."

1912
A Richmond Football Club Grand Bazaar at the Town Hall is opened by Victorian Governor Sir John Fuller. It runs for a fortnight and raises L374 8s. 6d. for the club. In a letter published in the Richmond Guardian in January 1913, George Peckham-Beachcroft pays particular thanks to the women of the club who worked

1916
March
Richmond decides to issue special ladies and youth tickets at half a crown

1918
Monday, June 3
On King’s Birthday, a game is played between Myer’s Store and Michaelis Hallenstein’s on the Punt-road ground. It is in aid of Lady Mayoress’ Patriotic League

1921
A women’s football supporter group, called The Singing Tigresses, are profiled in the Football Record. “Dame Melba may be interested in knowing that Richmond, where the world-famous singer used to live, possess a really live choir of songstresses. They wear long ribbons of yellow and black…’’
They regularly travel to matches on public transport, singing Richmond songs and chants.

Saturday, May 7
Eugenie Wood, the wife of Richmond President Alf Wood, unfurls the club's 1920 premiership flag.

Wednesday, December 8
The VFL decide to stop the issuing of ladies’ season tickets. Richmond (695 lady members), Carlton and Collingwood were the only clubs that issued them in 1921.

1922
Saturday, May 6
Eugenie Wood, the wife of Richmond President Alf Wood, unfurls the club's 1921 premiership flag.


1923
The Richmond Reserves team (wearing fancy dress) play a Richmond women’s team (‘The Tigresses’) on the Punt Road Oval. The women’s team win 9.14.68 to 0.1.1
“The Tigresses” played with remarkable keenness and marked well” the press wrote.
The match is part of the Richmond Juniors carnival, which raises fund to send the Reserves to Tasmania.
Thousands of spectators watch the match.

1925
Wednesday, March 4
At Richmond’s annual meeting “Reform” candidates are elected to all official positions. Ladies were afforded a special door to enter the polling booth.

1929
Saturday, 28 September
The Ladies' Committee raise 100 pounds for the Reserve club's funds. In appreciation , the executive committee tendered the ladies a picnic trip to Rye.

1933
Saturday, May 6
Alice Herbert, the wife of Richmond President Barney Herbert, unfurls the club's 1932 premiership flag.

Saturday, August 12
A women's Richmond team play a Carlton's women team on the Carlton Ground, as part of a carnival to raise money for the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Carlton 1.6.12 def Richmond 0.0.0
Best players for Richmond are Misses Willis, Stronach, Campbell, Nott, Bruce.
Footage of the match was shot by British Pathe.

1935
Saturday, May 4
Alice Herbert, the wife of Richmond President Barney Herbert, unfurls the club's 1934 premiership flag.

1947
Saturday, August 24
Jack Dyer umpires a North Melbourne women's team vs Sth Melbourne women's team at North.
The match is held as part of North's carnival. The game is played in 4 x 10min quarters
The Sporting Globe article indicates that Dyer had reservations about women's football.

1950
Gwen Howard - known as 'The Richmond Tigress' and Barbara Howard, Essendon supporter have a kicking competition on the Richmond ground in front of a small group of boys. The event is covered by The Argus here and here .
A further kicking competition between the ladies was planned for the North Melbourne ground, by Richmond secretary Maurie Fleming with a trophy to be presented to the winner. Jack Dyer had recently been coaching Gwen in kicking.

1951
Thursday, December 27
Monica Manzie, known as 'Mother of the Richmond Football Club' dies aged 90. She was the wife of Andrew Manzie (RFC Secretary 1906-1911), but maintained her passion and love for Richmond despite her husband moving across to the Melbourne Football Club. Her residence on Punt Road was the social gathering place for footballers and supporters

1953
The 1953 Annual Report notes the passing of 98 yr-old Tiger fan Louisa Quirk.


1959 - early 1960s
Alice Wills establishes the Supporters’ Group which raises funds and sponsors players.

1962
A group of teenage boys and girls supporting behind the goals, with streamers and early incarnations of banners, officially form the Richmond Cheer Squad , with the permission of the club.


1970
Sunday, April 5
Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II unfurls Richmond's 1969 premiership flag, at half time of the Round 1 match


1974
Mary Boord, the wife of Richmond President Alf Boord, unfurls the club's 1973 premiership flag.


1981
Julia Wilson, wife of Richmond President Ian Wilson, unfurls the 1980 premiership flag.


1988
Alice Wills become the first female Richmond Football Club Life Member, for her then contribution of 30 years.


1998
September
Richmond Football Club launch Hafey’s Ambush, a women’s networking group. It would later be renamed as The Tiger Lillies


1990
August
Richmond launches its Save our Skins campaign, to raise $1million in 10 weeks to save the club. The management of volunteers, collection tins and letter mail-outs, fall under Alice Wills’ jurisdiction.


2002
Alice Wills is an inaugural inductee into the Richmond Football Club Hall of Fame.


2007- 2015
The Healthy Tigers program is launched.
A commercial partnership program run for Year 9 students from Presentation College Windsor (PCW) to increase physical activities in students. The program runs for 9 sessions per class across school term 2. 70+ students took part in the program each year.


2008
Alice Wills is named as one of the Tigers all-time top 10 servants, during the club’s League Centenary celebrations.


2013
Thursday, October 3
Peggy O’Neal is appointed President of the Richmond Football Club. The first woman President of any senior VFL/AFL club ever.


2014
Early 2014
Richmond Football Club in partnership with the Australian Sports Commission and the AFL, establish a three-year longitudinal study into gender equity. The research and subsequent implementation plan is titled Gender Equity: What will it take to be the Best?
Between March and May 2014, research partner Bluestone Edge interview over 50 industry-associated people and several subject matter experts, both male and female, on their experiences, observations and suggestions.

Early 2014
A masterclass session for the newly formed Youth Girls academy is held in Warrnambool. 30+ participants take part in this session that was facilitated by Richmond’s Troy Chaplin.
Youth Girls Community Camp Training sessions are held at Punt Road.

Saturday, April 5
Alice Willis, who formed the Richmond Cheer Squad, was the first female to receive club life membership, and an inaugural Hall of Fame inductee, dies.
The Richmond Football Club call her “the matriarch of Tigerland”


2015
Early 2015
Punt Road Oval hosts the AFL Vic Girls Metro pre-season training.


Early 2015
Woomeras (Indigenous) girls Kickstart team selection and trials are held at Punt Road Oval.
Saturday March 18
Richmond Football Club host the Army and Navy to a training session and recovery session. A women’s match between RAAF vs Navy is held at 11am on the Punt Road Oval.


May
The Elite Sport Male Champions of Change (ESMCC) is officially launched.
Richmond Football Club pushed for the establishment of the group as part of its Gender Equality Research Project which it undertook in conjunction with the Australian Sports Commission and the AFL. The charter of the group is to actively advance gender equality across elite sports, with a particular focus on leadership, talent development, public advocacy and accountability.


Sunday, June 7
The Victorian women’s representative team 8.10.58 defeat the inaugural NSW/ACT women’s representative team on the Punt Road Oval. Approximately 400 people watch the match.

The Northern Territory Women’s football team tour the Punt Road Oval facilities.


Wednesday, December 9
Maureen Hafey is awarded Richmond Life Membership for her lifetime support to families, coaches, players and her involvement in co-founding ‘Hafey’s Ambush’ – the club’s first women’s supporter group.

Peggy O’Neal is awarded Richmond Life Membership for 10 years service on the Richmond board.


2016

Early 2016
The Youth Girls Community Camp Training sessions are held at Punt Road.

Friday, March 4
AFL Victoria runs a training session for women who are not in the Youth Girls Academy, to try out for the VIC Metro Youth Girls State training squad. The session is held from 5.30pm - 8pm at the Punt Road Oval.

Friday, March 11
Vic Metro U18 Youth Girls State team trains at Punt Road Oval (5.30pm - 8pm)

Wednesday, March 16
Vic Metro U18 Youth Girls State team trains at Punt Road Oval (5.30pm - 8pm)

Wednesday, March 23
Vic Metro U18 Youth Girls State team trains at Punt Road Oval (5.30pm - 8pm)

Wednesday, March 30
Vic Metro U18 Youth Girls State team trains at Punt Road Oval (5.30pm - 8pm)

Wednesday, April 13
Vic Metro U18 Youth Girls State team final squad trains at Punt Road Oval (5.30pm -8pm)

Wednesday, April 20
Vic Metro U18 Youth Girls State team final squad trains at Punt Road Oval (5.30pm -8pm)

Wednesday, April 27
Vic Metro U18 Youth Girls State team final squad trains at Punt Road Oval (5.30pm -8pm)


Thursday, April 28
Richmond announce it will submit an application for a women’s football team to participate in the 2017 National Women’s League (NWL).


Friday, May 6
Final day of competition in the 2016 Youth Girls National Championship is played on the Punt Road Oval.
NT Thunder defeat Woomeras.
Vic Country defeat QLD.
NSW/ACT defeat South Australia.


Wednesday, June 15
The AFL announce eight clubs have been granted a licence for the NWL 2017 season.
Richmond is unsuccessful, however is award a provisional licence.


Wednesday, November 30
Richmond CEO Brendon Gale and Minister for Sport John Eren unveil the government’s Change Our Game campaign. The campaign challenges gender stereotypes and encourages more women and girls to reach their full potential.



2017
Saturday, March 4
Richmond host the first ever Youth Girls Under 18s TAC Cup match
Murray Bushrangers defeat Bendigo Pioneers

Sunday, March 5
Richmond announce a partnership with Bendigo Thunder Women’s Football Club. It provides that club with development opportunities and allows Bendigo Thunder to play some home games at Punt Road.


Sunday, April 2
Richmond host a Come and Try Talent Day, in Bendigo, prior to Bendigo Thunder’s season launch. Registration was opened to girls and boys aged 11 - 15 years who live in Richmond’s Academy zone.


May
Richmond appoint Kate Sheahan as their AFLW Operations Manager.


Thursday, May 18
Richmond announces the establishment of the Boorimul program, to identify and develop talented young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, and maximise their football potential and develop them as culturally affirmed and resilient community members.

Friday, June 16
Peggy O’Neal and Kate Sheahan personally deliver the Club’s submission for an AFLW license, for the 2019 season, to the AFL.


Sunday, July 9
Bendigo Thunder 9.9.63 defeat Kew 2.4.16 at the Punt Road Oval.
It is Bendigo Thunder’s first match at that ground.


Sunday, August 13
Bendigo Thunder def Benalla Saints in the Northern Country Women’s League Final
Richmond have partnered with Bendigo during the 2017 season

Sunday, August 27
Bendigo Thunder's Division 1 side defeat Diamond Creek for the Northern Football League Women's Premiership.


Wednesday, September 27
The AFL grant Richmond an AFLW license for 2020, dependant on the club achieving the "set financial, talent development and organisational requirements" in the coming year. (see: 19 Dec 2018).
The club announces they will pursue a VFLW license for the 2018 season and launch a RFC Female Football Academy.


Saturday, September 30
With Richmond's Grand Final victory in the AFL, Peggy O'Neal becomes the first female premiership President.


Wednesday , October 11
Richmond is granted a VFLW licence for the 2018 season. It is a key move to ready the club for the 2020 AFLW season.
The team's home ground is Punt Road.

Thursday, October 26
Richmond unveil the Alice Wills Award, honouring outstanding dedication and commitment of 10 years or more by a volunteer of the Richmond Football Club.


Friday, November 10
Tom Hunter is appointed the inaugural coach of the club's VFL Women's side.


Saturday, November 11
A talent day is hosted at the ground to seek out potential players for the VFLW side.

Saturday - Sunday November 18-19
The inaugural Koorie Women's Football Carnival is held at Punt Road. Female indigenous athletes 15 years and over compete in a round-robin tournament.

Monday, December 11
At the AGM, Richmond announce the first recipients of their Alice Wills Award, honouring outstanding dedication and commitment of 10 years or more by a volunteer of the Richmond Football Club.
Recipients include Val Noble (Volunteer from 1995-2015), Nancy Rogers (Volunteer 1983-2008), Margaret Scott (Volunteer 1966-2008), Libby Callanan (Committee member of Ballarat Tigers Supporter Group)

2018
Wednesday, January 17
Former Melbourne player Shaun Smith is appointed assistant coach of the VFL Women's side.

The first official training session of the VFLW Tigers is held at Punt Road. 45 players partook in the training to receive a spot on the club's 2018 list.

Sunday March 25
Richmond's VFLW side played their first ever practice match, against Bendigo Thunder in Bendigo, and won.

Friday April 20
Jess Kennedy is selected as Richmond VFLW's inaugural captain. Elise Hogan and Kate Dixon are appointed vice captains.

Saturday May 5
The Richmond's VFLW side play their first match for premiership points - it is against Footscray at Footscray (at 4pm).
They win 6.5.41 to 0.3.3
Kate Dixon (vice capt) kicks the first ever goal at the 4min 30 sec mark. It is a drop punt from a set shot 20 metres out.
Dixon ends up with 4 goals on debut (3 in succession in the third quarter)
The club has a team photo taken on the field before the game. Jess Kennedy captains the club.


Monday August 27
Richmond hosts its first ever Best and Fairest for their women side.
Captain Jess Kennedy wins the inaugural award.

Monday September 10
Alice Edmonds is selected in the VFLW team of the year.

Wednesday December 19
The club, having met the "financial, talent development and organisational requirements" set out by the League on Sept 27, 2017, are officially accepted as a new license for the 2020 AFLW season.

2019
Tuesday, April 9
Bulldog's AFLW captain Katie Brennan is signed as Richmond's first recruit for their AFLW side that will play in the 2020 season. Brennan will play in the club's 2019 VFLW season in the meantime.

Friday April 12
Richmond sign Phoebe Monahan (GWS AFLW 2018-19, RFC 2018 VFLW), Iilish Ross (Coll AFLW 2018-19) and Maddy Brancatisano (Melb AFLW 2018)

Monday April 15
Richmond sign Christina Bernardi (Coll 2017-18 AFLW, Coll Leading Goalkicker, GWS 2019 AFLW)

Tuesday April 16
Richmond sign Sabrina Frederick (Brisbane AFL 2017-2019)

Wednesday April 24
Richmond signed Monique Conti (Best on Ground in 2018 AFLW GF. Bulldogs 2019 AFLW B+F)

Tuesday April 30
Richmond sign Hannah Burchell(prev Geelong AFLW).

Thursday May 16
Richmond sign their VFLW player Courtney Wakefield as an AFLW player

Wednesday June 19
Tom Hunter, currently VFLW coach, is appointed club's AFLW coach for 2020 season

Sunday, September 1
Richmond VFLW side play their first ever final - the Elimination Final, against Footscray.
They lose by 5 points

Monday, September 9
Tom Hunter is named VFLW Coach of the Year.
Tayla Stahl, Monique Conti and Rebecca Miller are named in the VFLW Team of the Year.

Tuesday, September 24
Maureen Hafey is appointed as Richmond's premiership cup presenter for the 2019 Grand Final.

Saturday, September 28
Richmond defeat GWS for the premiership. Maureen Hafey becomes only the second woman ever to present the premiership cup (after Elsie Rose). Peggy O'Neal is now a two-time Premiership President.

Tuesday, October 22
Sophie Molan becomes the Richmond AFLW player to be drafted, when she is selected at Pick 7 from GWV Rebels.

2020

Wednesday, January 15
Katie Brennan is appointed the first ever captain of Richmond's AFLW side.

Saturday, January 18
Richmond's AFLW side play match simulation against Western Bulldogs at Punt Road.

Friday February 7
Richmond AFLW side plays its first match for premiership points.
The Tigers lose by 34 points to Carlton. Sabrina Frederick kicks the first ever goal (in the 4th quarter).
Former player Kevin Bartlett hands an AFLW guernsey to Jack Riewoldt who in turns presents it to captain Katie Brennan. A symbolic moment highlighting the past-present-future of the club.
Brennan becomes the first player to captain a Senior Richmond side on her debut game since Dan Minogue - Rd 1 1920.

Saturday March 14
Richmond AFLW side is held goalless for the first time ever. Their final score of 0.3.3 is the lowest in AFLW history.
The last senior side (Mens) to be goalless was Richmond, against the same opposition StKilda, in 1961

Sunday March 22
In an unprecedented move, the AFL immediately ceases the AFLW 2020 season due to the coronavirus.
Richmond ends that incomplete season with 0 wins and 6 losses.
The VFLW season is suspended before it begins.

Friday May 15
Tom Hunter, Richmond AFLW's first senior coach departs.

Thursday May 28
The first ever Richmond AFLW Best and Fairest is held, virtually, by Zoom.
Best and Fairest is won by Monique Conti.
Richmond AFLW goal of the year is won by Sabrina Frederick with her Round 3 vs Nth Melb kick over her head out of a ruck contest in the goalsquare.
Best First Year Player is won by Kodi Jacques. (Eligibility rules: Player had to be Under 21, in their first year in the AFLW, and the highest ranking vote getter in the Best and Fairest)
Leading Goalkicker goes to Courtney Wakefield (4 goals)

June
Tuesday 16
The VFLW season is cancelled because of Covid-19 and that 10 of the 12 clubs are aligned to AFL teams which are still restricted due to Covid-19.

October
Saturday 24
Ash Barty, Australian tennis player, presents the 2021 Premiership Cup to Trent Cotchin and Damien Hardwick, thereby becoming only the third women to present the cup (after Maureen Hafey, Elsie Rose)
Peggy O'Neal is now a three-time Premiership President.

2021
January
Sunday 21
The first AFLW match for premiership point at Punt Road. Game was televised live on Channel 7
And the first senior match at Punt Road since Rd 18 1964.

February
Friday 26
Richmond's first AFLW victory. They defeat Geelong at Kardinia Park.


2022
January
Friday 14
The second half of Richmond v Melbourne is played under lights at Punt Road

Saturday 22
A double-header is played at Punt Road. Eagles v Adelaide, then Richmond vs Fremantle.
Richmond wear their Pride Guernsey design for the first time.

May
Friday 6
Monique Conti wins her third consecutive B+F at Richmond. She joins Jack Dyer (1937-1940) and Ron Branton (1960-62) as the only players across all Richmond grades (Snrs/Res/U19) to win 3 B+F in a row.

2023
September
Saturday 16
The start of the Round 3 match vs GWS at Blacktown is delayed for 30 minutes after a red-bellied black snake is spotted on the ground. It is removed by a snake handler,

October
Sunday 8
Gold Coast Suns defeat Richmond by 1 pt after kicking a behind on the siren.

Sunday 14
Richmond play Essendon in the Womens Dreamtime Match vs Essendon, at the same time the Voice Referendum is defeated.

November
Sunday 5
Richmond wear yellow shorts, and a Pride Round guernsey in their match against Collingwood.

Monday 27
Monique Conti wins the AFLW Best and Fairest - the first Richmond player to do so. Conti polled 23 votes to win by 7 votes.

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