Fulton Hogan and Richmond Football Club have renewed their partnership to continue paving the way for women to build careers in AFLW and construction.

Now in its third year, the partnership has seen players take up roles within Fulton Hogan work sites to give players the financial means and workplace flexibility to focus on playing football at both AFLW and VFLW level.

The partnership was formally announced in May 2020, with Fulton Hogan currently employing Richmond AFLW players Iilish Ross and Tayla Stahl, and now ex-Tigers Holly Whitford and Phoebe Monahan, on its level crossing removal project, Metropolitan Roads Program Alliance.

The players have continued to kick their own career goals in the construction industry and are paving the way for greater participation by women in both sport and construction.

Richmond CEO Brendon Gale said that both businesses had shared values for building a diverse and inclusive workplace, with the Club striving to make matchdays and all club programs and events welcoming to all.

“We are invested in helping all of our players to prosper on and off the field and this partnership has given past and current Richmond AFLW players the opportunity to build a career in construction with excellent mentor programs and pathways,” he added.

“Until such time as we can have full time professional AFLW players, we recognise that our players will require additional support to supplement their on-field pursuits.

“It is fantastic that the girls are able to again serve as brilliant role models to the next generation whilst promoting gender equality in another industry. We are very proud of what they are achieving on and off the field.”

Fulton Hogan Alliance Manager Dean Riha, said the partnership with Richmond has offered female footballers the flexibility to work around their rigorous training schedule.

“The overall number of women in construction roles has continued to increase year on year and we want to provide the support and flexibility needed for more women to enter both sectors,” he said.

“Fulton Hogan has a real focus in improving the landscape for women to forge a career in construction and we are proud of the headway we have made – after all, if you can see it, you can be it.

“By offering flexible career pathways within our business, we are not only helping female footballers to pursue their AFLW dreams, but we are providing the industry with role models of which young women and school-aged children can aspire to.

“This will help boost awareness of viable career options for women in construction and women’s football.”

Fulton Hogan delivers high quality infrastructure to improve the lives of people in Australia and New Zealand, every day. The team of 7700 people work to create, connect, and care for communities. The business has displayed a commitment to boosting the number of women working across these fields.