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Thomson Dow and Richmond teammates visit Mildura for AFL Community Camp to the thrill of local kids

A visit to Mildura by Richmond for their AFL Community Camp has been headlined by local hero Thomson Dow to the delight of some of the club’s youngest fans.

Kids at The Lakes primary school posing for photos with their Tiger heroes
Kids at The Lakes primary school posing for photos with their Tiger heroes

AFL powerhouse Richmond paid a visit to Mildura this week as part of the AFL’s Community Camp program with local hero Thomson Dow the man everyone wanted to see.

“It’s nice to get out to this side of Victoria. I am from this way so it is nice,” the Richmond midfielder said.

Dow, who grew up in Swan Hill, spoke to the media and mentioned how special it was to be back in the region where it all began.

“I grew up in Swan Hill, so I have played a bit of footy down this way.

“The path way I took gave a lot to me and it is how I got drafted, so to come back here and give back is very rewarding,” Dow said.

Thomson Dow Richmond in Mildura
Thomson Dow Richmond in Mildura

Mildura is Tiger territory, dating back to when it used to be a zoned talent catchment area for the club.

This was evident when the team visited The Lakes primary school in the western Mildura suburb of Cabarita.

Young Tigers fan meets Richmond star Hugo Ralphsmith
Young Tigers fan meets Richmond star Hugo Ralphsmith
Young Tigers fans at a Mildura school meeting their heroes
Young Tigers fans at a Mildura school meeting their heroes

“There is a huge Richmond culture up here which I didn’t realise until I got here,” Richmond star Noah Balta said.

“Its awesome. As soon as we got to the first school we asked how many of you are Richmond fans and all the hands go up, more than 50 per cent easy.”

Young Mildura Tigers fan poses for pic with Noah Balta
Young Mildura Tigers fan poses for pic with Noah Balta

It is a packed agenda for the yellow and black with coaching clinics at Mildura Sports Precinct (MSP), school visits and meet and greet opportunities at Langtree Mall littering their two day stay.

“It’s great to see the Tigers back at MSP, building on the club’s recent AFLW fixture at the venue in October 2022,” Mildura Councillor for Sports and Recreation Ian Arney said.

AFL Sunraysia Participant Coordinator David Kennedy lauded the opportunity afforded to young kids in the region by virtue of the visit.

“Hosting the Tigers will hopefully strengthen the local football landscape and encourage more young people to participate in our great game,” Mr Kennedy said.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/mildura/thomson-dow-and-richmond-teammates-visit-mildura-for-afl-community-camp-to-the-thrill-of-local-kids/news-story/5d1baac52db1004b74ad32da94c1bea7