News External review for Richmond's AFLW program.

[TigermanM2]

Richmond AFLW Update​

Experienced AFL industry executive Brad Lloyd and independent high-performance specialists with experience across women’s team sports have been commissioned to conduct a review for Richmond's AFLW program.

By Richmond Media
Oct 28, 2025, 11:55 am

Richmond has appointed experienced former AFL executive Brad Lloyd as a consultant to conduct an independent review for the Club’s AFLW program.

Lloyd will be supported by independent high-performance specialists with experience across women’s team sports to lead the evidence-based review, which will seek to understand and address the factors contributing to on field performance and to make recommendations to optimise high-performance outcomes.

He will bring a wealth of experience from across the AFL having held various roles across the industry, spanning player management, talent identification/recruiting, list management, and football management.

Most recently, the experienced football person was GM Football at Carlton Football Club and GM List Management at Fremantle.
Richmond CEO Shane Dunne said the Club was committed to aligning the AFLW program with best practice to continually position itself for sustained success.

“This is a review for our AFLW program, not of our AFLW program,” Dunne said.

“We ultimately want to be a team competing for premierships, and this process will ensure that we are best set up for continual improvement and long-term success.

“As the AFLW continues to evolve, our program must remain progressive, inclusive and high performing.

“This review will help identify strengths, areas for improvement, and make recommendations to optimise high-performance outcomes in the short, medium and long terms.”

The comprehensive review will cover Program Structure and Governance, Situational Analysis, Team Culture, Leadership, Coaching and Player Development, High Performance and Medical Support, Daily Performance Environment, Recruitment and List Strategy and Futurology.

Lloyd and high-performance specialists will conduct in-person and virtual interviews with key stakeholders, as well as player and staff surveys.

As part of the review, Lloyd has been at the Swinburne Centre this week, observing preparations for the Round 12 match against Gold Coast, and will remain embedded in the program throughout the coming weeks and exit phase.

Findings will be presented to the Richmond Board, including analysis and actionable recommendations.

The Club will keep members and supporters informed following the conclusion of the review, which is expected to be finalised in December.

 

[toenail63]

The independent review, led by Brad Lloyd and high-performance specialists, is examining all aspects of the program, including:

• Program structure and governance
• Team culture and leadership
• Coaching and player development
• Recruitment and list strategy

 

[TigermanM2]

The independent review, led by Brad Lloyd and high-performance specialists, is examining all aspects of the program, including:

• Program structure and governance
• Team culture and leadership
• Coaching and player development
• Recruitment and list strategy

I expect some significant changes given the above. Think we are way behind other clubs in a fair few areas.

 

[TigermanM2]

Also, given the club statement and reading between the lines a bit, no longer convinced Ferg is safe.

 

[Truetiger]

It’s certainly much-needed, which is why we need to know why the coach received an extra extension. It’s interesting to see what comes of it.

 

[toenail63]

I expect some significant changes given the above. Think we are way behind other clubs in a fair few areas.

And timing is everything and not a day too soon for this with such a short trade/draft period of time available from season end.

 

[toenail63]

Also, given the club statement and reading between the lines a bit, no longer convinced Ferg is safe.

in club land admin (netball) we often called them corrective action plans not action plans as being the result of a review.

 

[Yze does it]

It’s certainly much-needed, which is why we need to know why the coach received an extra extension. It’s interesting to see what comes of it.

the extension
AND
no VFLW presence,

Sheerin to NM.

gain Scott ~ played like crap

 

[toenail63]

Ex Blues boss to lead Tigers review after disappointing year​

Richmond's AFLW program will come under the microscope after a flat season

By Gemma Bastiani Oct 28, 2025, 11:37 am



RICHMOND has launched an independent review into its AFLW program, following a disappointing year where the Tigers won just two of its first 11 games.

Former Carlton general manager of football Brad Lloyd has been appointed to lead the review, and will be supported by a team of independent specialists in high performance.

The Tigers qualified for finals last year, but were soundly beaten by Port Adelaide in November's elimination final. It was just the second finals series Richmond had reached since joining the League in 2020.



Despite losing the first four games of the season by an average of 23 points, the club in September opted to extend the contract of head coach Ryan Ferguson

Ryan Ferguson

Age

44

Ht

195cm

Wt

93kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

8.6

2star

K

4.3

2star

HB

4.2

3star

M

3.2

3star

T

1.0

3star

No current season stats available

D

4.8

1star

K

2.2

1star

HB

2.6

3star

M

1.4

2star

T

0.8

3star

until the end of the 2026 season. The Tigers lost the first seven games of the campaign before breaking the drought with an upset win over Adelaide in round eight.

Head of women's football Kate Sheahan's role was also changed to Executive head of women's football back in April. Sheahan has led the program since 2017, when the club began preparations for its entry into the AFLW.

Katie Brennan has been the club's captain since arriving at the club via expansion in 2020 – the only person to captain a club in every season of the League's history – and star midfielder Monique Conti has won every club best and fairest.

​

"This is a review for our AFLW program, not of our AFLW program," Richmond CEO Shane Dunne said.

"We ultimately want to be a team competing for premierships, and this process will ensure that we are best set up for continual improvement and long-term success. As the AFLW continues to evolve, our program must remain progressive, inclusive, and high performing.

"This review will help identify strengths, areas for improvement, and make recommendations to optimise high-performance outcomes in the short, medium and long terms."

The decision to conduct a review follows Carlton's historic review into its AFLW program upon the conclusion of 2022 (season seven), which saw coach Daniel Harford

Daniel Harford

Age

48

Ht

177cm

Wt

81kg

Pos.

M/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

17.8

4star

K

10.3

4star

HB

7.5

5star

M

3.6

4star

T

1.8

4star

No current season stats available

D

15.8

4star

K

8.2

4star

HB

7.6

5star

M

2.8

3star

T

1.4

4star

and head of women's football Brett Munro moved on.

Richmond currently sits 17th on the ladder, and will host 18th-placed Gold Coast at Ikon Park on Saturday afternoon.

 

[toenail63]

Also, given the club statement and reading between the lines a bit, no longer convinced Ferg is safe.

"The decision to conduct a review follows Carlton's historic review into its AFLW program upon the conclusion of 2022 (season seven), which saw coach Daniel Harford and head of women's football Brett Munro moved on".

Harford was let go with similar time he was contracted. If we resigned Ferg in round 4 until 2026 then would be conditional you would think on review findings regarding payout?

 

[TigermanM2]

“This is a review for our AFLW program, not of our AFLW program,” Dunne said.

 

[Yze does it]

It’s certainly much-needed, which is why we need to know why the coach received an extra extension. It’s interesting to see what comes of it.

if sacked his salary in the 2026 cap?

which does increase $100,000 anyhow.

hopefully Sheahan's replaced.

 

[toenail63]

“This is a review for our AFLW program, not internally of our executive team,” Dunne said.

Corrected it.

This will be a fit and proper test of Dunne's capability's and performance coming up early in his tenure.

 

[toenail63]

if sacked his salary in the 2026 cap?

which does increase $100,000 anyhow.

hopefully Sheahan's replaced.

Hard to say on contract extension as his was so low key and not knowing was an extension only or under new terms? maybe conditional on wins or performance indicators? From Ferg's position in this I can't see a current AFLW club knocking down his door to come coach them so unlikely Ferg if let go extends his AFLW coaching career, it's not out of the question, however only see 1 or 2 other coaches under some pressure currently, and he would be up against getting another gig amongst the many options out there including very good assistant coaches etc.

 

[Grockadoc]

Much needed. After finals last year (didn't win), the expectation of improvement was set. Having Brennan and Ellie McKenzie fit, some solid recruiting with Greeves, further development in Bacon, Yassir etc it should have been natural progression, but we BADLY regressed.

Skills poor, lacked pace, horrible conversion. Too Conti focused.

A lot needs to be fixed. Hopefully this review is the catalyst soet of like FoF was at the end of 2016 for the mens side.

 

[TigermanM2]

Hard to say on contract extension as his was so low key and not knowing was an extension only or under new terms? maybe conditional on wins or performance indicators? From Ferg's position in this I can't see a current AFLW club knocking down his door to come coach them so unlikely Ferg if let go extends his AFLW coaching career, it's not out of the question, however only see 1 or 2 other coaches under some pressure currently, and he would be up against getting another gig amongst the many options out there including very good assistant coaches etc.

I've said before, there is a very very good coach in SA who may be looking for a fresh start.....

 

[toenail63]

Much needed. After finals last year (didn't win), the expectation of improvement was set. Having Brennan and Ellie McKenzie fit, some solid recruiting with Greeves, further development in Bacon, Yassir etc it should have been natural progression, but we BADLY regressed.

Skills poor, lacked pace, horrible conversion. Too Conti focused.

A lot needs to be fixed. Hopefully this review is the catalyst soet of like FoF was at the end of 2016 for the mens side.

Glass half full you could say we did make finals twice in 7 seasons, but 1 of those was before the last round of AFLW expansion. The fact that the Swans and Port have both made & won finals, and Hawks sit 2nd on ladder, it's also those clubs improvement over ours, having a few seasons less than us to build a finals winning team, exposes just how off the mark we are in comparison to others.

 

[TigermanM2]

So do the players rally around Ferg and co this week and post a huge win......


.......or not!

 

[toenail63]

So do the players rally around Ferg and co this week and post a huge win......


.......or not!

Yes and I hope they do.

 

[Lord of the Wings]

Ex Blues boss to lead Tigers review after disappointing year​

Richmond's AFLW program will come under the microscope after a flat season

By Gemma Bastiani Oct 28, 2025, 11:37 am

View attachment 2466069

RICHMOND has launched an independent review into its AFLW program, following a disappointing year where the Tigers won just two of its first 11 games.

Former Carlton general manager of football Brad Lloyd has been appointed to lead the review, and will be supported by a team of independent specialists in high performance.

The Tigers qualified for finals last year, but were soundly beaten by Port Adelaide in November's elimination final. It was just the second finals series Richmond had reached since joining the League in 2020.

View attachment 2466070

Despite losing the first four games of the season by an average of 23 points, the club in September opted to extend the contract of head coach Ryan Ferguson until the end of the 2026 season. The Tigers lost the first seven games of the campaign before breaking the drought with an upset win over Adelaide in round eight.

Head of women's football Kate Sheahan's role was also changed to Executive head of women's football back in April. Sheahan has led the program since 2017, when the club began preparations for its entry into the AFLW.

Katie Brennan has been the club's captain since arriving at the club via expansion in 2020 – the only person to captain a club in every season of the League's history – and star midfielder Monique Conti has won every club best and fairest.

View attachment 2466071​

"This is a review for our AFLW program, not of our AFLW program," Richmond CEO Shane Dunne said.

"We ultimately want to be a team competing for premierships, and this process will ensure that we are best set up for continual improvement and long-term success. As the AFLW continues to evolve, our program must remain progressive, inclusive, and high performing.

"This review will help identify strengths, areas for improvement, and make recommendations to optimise high-performance outcomes in the short, medium and long terms."

The decision to conduct a review follows Carlton's historic review into its AFLW program upon the conclusion of 2022 (season seven), which saw coach Daniel Harford and head of women's football Brett Munro moved on.

Richmond currently sits 17th on the ladder, and will host 18th-placed Gold Coast at Ikon Park on Saturday afternoon.

Shame Jason Dunstall is not doing it. He'd sack everyone which is needed

 

[Lord of the Wings]

Much needed. After finals last year (didn't win), the expectation of improvement was set. Having Brennan and Ellie McKenzie fit, some solid recruiting with Greeves, further development in Bacon, Yassir etc it should have been natural progression, but we BADLY regressed.

Skills poor, lacked pace, horrible conversion. Too Conti focused.

A lot needs to be fixed. Hopefully this review is the catalyst soet of like FoF was at the end of 2016 for the mens side.

Too many fatties. It was embarrassing seeing our level of fitness compared to the likes of Brisbane, Hawthorn and Melbourne from the games I saw.

The only player to noticeably improve their fitness was McKenzie.

Yassir, Greiser, Scott and even Brennan looked off the pace and not up the required fitness standards and made our forward line look woeful.

 

[TigermanM2]

Former Carlton general manager of football Brad Lloyd has been appointed to lead the review, and will be supported by a team of independent specialists in high performance.

Ahem, does Brad Lloyd know how successful sides tick?

Not sure Freo and Blues fans would say yes.

 

[toenail63]

Ahem, does Brad Lloyd know how successful sides tick?

Not sure Freo and Blues fans would say yes.

Good question, the only thing I would say is that he was their boss for that Carlton AFLW review and they now are currently 5th on the ladder.

 

[TigermanM2]

Good question, the only thing I would say is that he was their boss for that Carlton AFLW review and they now are currently 5th on the ladder.

I think that review was board driven and was independent. Don't think he had much to do with starting it or doing it.

In fact, as Lloyd was the footy boss (both AFL and AFLW) from 2018 to 2023 they may have reviewed what part he played in their problems. He did eventually get the chop this year after a dismal AFL season. Maybe it should have come in 2023.

 

[TigermanM2]

"The decision to conduct a review follows Carlton's historic review into its AFLW program upon the conclusion of 2022 (season seven), which saw coach Daniel Harford and head of women's football Brett Munro moved on".

Harford was let go with similar time he was contracted. If we resigned Ferg in round 4 until 2026 then would be conditional you would think on review findings regarding payout?

Harford is a bit different in that yes he was contracted for another season but when the review was done one of the recommendations was that the Carlton coaching gig move from part time to a full time role. Harf had his media jobs and couldn't commit to a full time gig. Effectively the Blues changed his employment conditions and you can't be doing that. Pretty sure Harf was happy to call it a sacking for the $$ as he was entitled to do.