We continue our 2017 pre-season special series, reliving Richmond’s pre-season build-up to the glorious, drought-breaking 1967 premiership triumph. From the archives of ‘The Age’ newspaper, we take a look at an article written by esteemed football journalist, Greg Hobbs, exactly 50 years ago today (March 10, 1967).

“Richmond big man Pat Guinane, who spent most of last season in the forward pocket, is likely to be back in his old role – and centre half-forward – this year.

Guinane has been returned to centre half-forward for next Sunday’s first full-scale practice match.

The Tigers are likely to give former captain Neville Crowe longer periods in the forward pocket this season.

They believe Crowe’s marking and accurate kicking will get goals from the pocket.  At the same time, they think Guinane will be better suited at centre half-forward.

This season Michael Patterson, who now looks a better player than he has for a couple of years, and John Ronaldson, will probably have to do more of the heavy ruck work.

Richmond is still experimenting at full-back and full-forward – this week veterans Fred Swift and Mick Erwin will be tried as spearheads and youngsters Mike Green and Daryl Beale will be the full-backs.

Bill Barrot (mouth infection), Peter Hogan (bruised toe), Ross Warner (poisoned leg), Blair Campbell (jarred knee), Roger Dean (attending a wedding) and recruits Stewart Allen (strained ankle) and Kevin Sheedy (bruised knee) will be unavailable on Sunday.

Secretary Graeme Richmond will go to Tasmania next week to seek a clearance for Glenorchy wingman Tony Williams, who is 18, 5ft 101/2 in and 11st 10lb. 

Two recruits who continue to impress are Daryl Cumming, 15, a rover from South Mildura and John Sutton, 20, a ruckman from Dandenong.

Practice matches will be held at the Richmond City Reserve, Church Street, at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.”