By Bonny Burrows
Richmond’s premiership celebrations show no sign of slowing down – at least not in Cardinia Shire.
Three months on from the Tigers’ AFL Grand Final win, a frenzy of fans young and old turned out to Beaconsfield Holm Park Reserve on 16 January to see their beloved boys in action, September’s spectacular win still fresh in their minds.
Star players including Dustin Martin, Jack Riewoldt, Alex Rance and Trent Cotchin were all in attendance for the day’s free activities, which included a light training session followed by a children’s footy clinic.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Collin Ross said he was thrilled to welcome the Tigers back to the area.
The council and football club partnered up in 2012 and have since hosted a number of programs, events and community engagement initiatives aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle and physical activity within the shire.
Events include a 2016 visit to 12 local schools and another tour of Cardinia Shire schools the year prior.
Tuesday’s community event offered locals the chance to snag an autograph from their favourite player and get their hands on some club merchandise.
Premiership captain Trent Cotchin said the club was happy to take the time out and meet its Cardinia supporters.
“ It a part of a job we don’t get to do a lot of but we love it when we do,“ he said.
The captain said he had visited the area a number of times with the football club and had enjoyed coming back for the training day.
“I love the treeline streets as you drive through Berwick into Beaconsfield.“
The day also benefited Beaconsfield Football Club, with the local club reaping some of the profits made through food and drink purchases.
