Richmond CEO Brendon Gale says one of the club’s most famous features could be knocked down, in order to improve the Punt Road facilities.
With the Tigers still operating out of their natural habitat, and with no intention of moving, Gale says some landmarks may need to be compromised in order to keep up with the immense rate of growing facilities in the AFL.
“There’d be a range of different options you’d have to explore,” he told SEN Afternoons.
“(The Jack Dyer Stand) could well be (removed).
“If that were the case, there’d be extensive consultation, etc.
“There’s the north end behind the goals and we’re finalising a master plan at the moment.
“With VFL and women’s football, with our community programming, right now it’s under great pressure, so we’re looking at growing that, growing our footprint.
“I do think about facilities. We are landlocked. Once we build out, we can’t build any more.
“So you’re thinking of those sorts of scenarios, but it’s such an important part of our brand.”
The Jack Dyer Stand was first built in 1914, and is one of the last remaining traditional grand stands amongst old VFL fields.
Facilities are becoming a vital asset to AFL club’s success, with technological advanced features giving players and the coaching staff a competitive edge.
Fremantle and Gold Coast recently moved into new homes, while West Coast’s Lathlain Park project will be complete next year.
However, Gale affirmed there are no plans for the Tigers to shift from Punt Road.
“It’s the location of the club, our proximity to the MCG and our access to Richmond station that I think underpins the growth and the way we’ve held our numbers over the years,” he said.
“We’re such an open and accessible club to visit and be part of and it’s such a huge competitive advantage.
“It’s an advantage for attracting talent. It’s inner-city, cosmopolitan Richmond, access to shops, cafes, universities and the city.”
Listen to Brendon Gale’s chat with Andy Maher on SEN Afternoons in the player below!