The Tigers played the first of a scheduled two home games over a three-year period at Darwin’s TIO Stadium in 2011, but after discussions with the AFL, that arrangement will not continue in 2012.
The Club will however retain its close ties to the Northern Territory through its community programming in Alice Springs. The program, delivered in partnership with Dick Smith, works in Alice Springs and surrounding communities to increase school attendance.
“The decision to play in Darwin was made in the best interests of the Club at the time,” said Richmond’s CEO Brendon Gale.
“We entered into an agreement and had every intention of meeting our obligations. However, circumstances have changed and that has allowed us to bring this home game back to Melbourne.
“This decision is in no way about turning our back on the Northern Territory - we have a wonderful supporter base in the NT and our community program in Alice Springs is one of the key programs our community team delivers.
“We want to continue to develop these programs in conjunction with our partners to ensure we assist those communities in creating meaningful and lasting change.
“We also have great links to the top end through Maurice Rioli - a champion of this Club who we have honoured in a number of ways this year.”
Gale said that following discussions with the AFL, it became apparent that Melbourne Football Club was interested in Darwin as a long-term strategic plan and, as such, it made sense for them to take up this opportunity.
“Given the AFL’s support for the change, we felt it would be better for the Club to concentrate on one interstate market, which will be Cairns for the next two years,” Gale said.
“There are some short-term financial implications, however, the support of the AFL through the recently established Club Future Fund Distribution now provides us with the resources that we believe will allow us to hit key commercial targets in the coming years.
“If our increased investment in football delivers improved performance on-field, we will be able to capitalise and build the financial muscle of the Club.”blog comments powered by Disqus
