With just three weeks to go before the start of the 2022 season, we wind the clock back to this time 50 years ago for a preview of Richmond’s 1972 season prospects season that featured in Football Life magazine. The Tigers would go on to finish runners-up to Carlton that year in an amazing goal-glut Grand Final.

“They received a bit of a jolt at Richmond last year . . . those Tigers who were crowing about 1971 being a premiership year for the club.

Some of them figured the football cyle would land a flag, working on the assumption that they won premierships in 1967 and 1969.

But, the two-year cycle plan landed with a thud in the preliminary final at the hands of St Kilda.

Richmond is suffering from the same disease that seems to plague League clubs more than everything else – a reliable goal-kicker.

The Tigers have been trying hard to lure champion South Australian spearhead Fred Phillis into the den, but persistent clearance trouble makes him a question mark.

Full-back Barry Richardson played the last 12 games at full-forward for a total of 51 goals. But many believe he is not the answer if another premiership is to be netted quickly.

But, while Richardson was in attack the Tigers found a talented full-back in Grant Allford, a rangy six footer from Tasmania.

Big-man power is another section which Richmond will look closely at this year. Giant Brian Roberts, nicknamed “The Whale” because of his size, and Craig McKellar, will be expected to lift their play.

Neil Balme is a good player in this division and Ray Boyanich can be more than useful. His play in the first half of last season was excellent.

Richmond must once again have high finals hopes. After all, which team wouldn’t with such great players as centreman Ian Stewart and Royce Hart, at centre half-forward, in the line-up.

Throw in Francis Bourke, Kevin Sheedy, Dick Clay, Graeme Bond, Kevin Bartlett, Roger Dean and Greg Hollick and there’s plenty of know-how.

Richmond is all the time recruiting, too. The club thinks big and it will be a surprise if it is not reporting for duty at the business end.”