AFL premiers Richmond Tigers bring the winning cup to fans

Premiership title holders the Richmond Tigers will be returning to the Sunshine Coast for a second time for their pre-season training camp, bringing with them the 2017 premiership cup.

Richmond coach, Damien Hardwick said fans can view the prized piece of silverware at their community open session on Monday, January 22.

“We’re excited to be returning to the Sunshine Coast for a second time for our pre-season training camp,” Hardwick said.

“We’re bringing with us the 2017 premiership cup, which we’re excited to share with our members and fans.

Supporters can see the team in action with training starting at approximately 9.15am and then get up close and personal with the cup from 11.30am on Monday, January 22 following the team’s training session at the Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex.

Tourism, Sport and Major Events Portfolio Cr Jason O’Pray said it was great to have Richmond returning for a second year prior to the 2018 season.

“Our region seems to have become a winning formula for professional football teams, with the last five AFL premiership winners all holding pre-season training camps on the Sunshine Coast,” Cr O’Pray said.

“The high quality sporting facilities we have in our region, along with great weather conditions, provides a fantastic combination for professional sporting teams to prepare ahead of the start of their competition.

“These camps also provide our community with great economic and social benefits by contributing to the Sunshine Coast becoming known as a high-quality sporting destination and adding to the $440 million per year in economic activity the comes from the sports economy.”

Carlton have already held their camp at Maroochydore, having been here in December, while Melbourne Football Club and the Western Bulldogs have also elected to return to the Sunshine Coast for another pre-season training camp in a bid to boost their chances for a shot at the premiership title.

Fans will have the chance to see them in action at their community open sessions held on Sunday, January 28 for the Bulldogs and Friday, February 2 for Melbourne.  Both open sessions will also held at the Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex.