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Tigers could have AFLW games moved

3 minute read

Amid high crowd expectations, Richmond are in discussions with the AFL as to whether Punt Road will actually be able to host two scheduled AFLW games.

Amid an era of success that has seen Richmond's fanbase skyrocket to new levels, the AFL powerhouse may have to move two scheduled AFLW games away from Punt Road.

Richmond will open the AFLW season with a home game against the Blues at Carlton's Ikon Park to maximise attendance, but are scheduled to play the Kangaroos and Brisbane at their far smaller traditional home in round three and round seven respectively.

At Richmond's inaugural AFLW training session on Monday night, football boss Neil Balme said the Tigers were in discussion with the AFL over whether Punt Road would be able to host games.

"That's a genuine challenge, because we're not really set up for big crowds," Balme said.

"That'll be something we're actually talking to the AFL now about as to whether we can really play games here or not.

"We're programmed to have a couple but we're really looking at that to make sure we can provide what they think we can provide."

Balme emphasised Punt Road's foremost role these days was as a training ground, rather than as a match venue.

"We'd love to play some games here but I'm not sure whether that will happen or not," he said.

The Tigers recruited hard ahead of their first season - poaching Western Bulldogs pair Katie Brennan and Monique Conti, along with snaring former Brisbane ruck/forward Sabrina Frederick.

"Anything's possible," Brennan said.

"I think we go in as underdogs and the unknowns so I think over the next few weeks we'll figure out what success means to us.

"We've certainly got an amazing blueprint from this club and what the AFL boys, the VFL boys and our wheelchair team have been able to achieve this year and we certainly are inspired by that and will put in a lot of work to be able to get there."

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