After 71-years, Richmond is no more after club name change approved

Richmond, the best football club in Victoria a decade ago, will go by a new name in 2024 after falling on hard times and relocating.

Richmond is changing its name to Greater Dandenong.

A fallen Victorian football power has changed its name after 71 years.

Richmond, Victorian Premier League premier in 2010, will now be known as Greater Dandenong Football Club.

The club, which was formerly based at Kevin Bartlett Reserve in Burnley, has played out of Fotheringham Reserve in Dandenong since 2021.

Matildas legend Melissa Barbieri is arguably Richmond’s greatest product.

In a statement on the club’s social media, it said the name change reflected the club’s changing location and community base.

“This was decided by the management committee and members due to our club’s current home ground being in Dandenong and the majority of our members residing in City of Greater Dandenong surrounding areas,” the statement said.

“We thank all our members and sponsors who has supported the clubs since it was moved from Richmond to City of Greater Dandenong in 2021. “If you live in the south-east, now is the time to get involved with our great club, which has a proud history dating back to 1953.

“Thanks to City of Greater Dandenong for hosting us. We are working with council to meet the club’s needs in terms of facilities and support.”

Richmond was formed in 1953, originally in Maribyrnong, before moving to Richmond in 1955.

The Eagles competed in the Victorian Premier League in 1961, 1963 and before 2006 to 2013 when the current NPL structure was introduced.

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The club’s crowning glory was winning the VPL premiership and finishing runner-up in the grand final in 2010.

However, the club has since fallen on hard times, relegated from the top-flight in 2016 after a playoff loss to North Geelong Warriors.

It endured back-to-back relegations in 2017, dropping back to State League 1, before narrowly avoiding liquidation that would have likely killed the club.

In 2023, Richmond finished second last in State League 1 South-East and will compete in State League 2 South-East this year.