With Easter 2022 upon us, Tony Greenberg takes a look back at five of the best Richmond highlights from the Easter period throughout the past half-century . . .

Round 1, 1972, MCG, Easter Monday: Richmond 16.9 (105) defeats Collingwood 14.17 (101).

Richmond appears to have the opening round clash of the ’72 season well and truly under their control at three-quarter-time, leading by 28 points. But the Magpies, who were shockingly inaccurate in the third term, scoring 0.9, stage a strong final-quarter fightback. They pile on eight goals straight, before veteran Terry Waters hits the post with a shot entering time-on that would have given them the lead. In a nail-biting finish, the Tigers hang on to record a four-point win. Former Carlton full-forward Ricky McLean boots four goals in an impressive debut for Richmond.

Round 2, 1974, Junction Oval, Easter Saturday: Richmond 15.26 (116) defeats Fitzroy 9.13 (67).

The Tigers burst out of the blocks, slamming on 8.9 to the home team’s 0.0 in a spectacular opening-quarter blitz. They end up winning by 49 points, but that final margin should have been considerably more, given their total number of scoring shots – 41 to 22. Brilliant rover Kevin Bartlett is a prime offender, finishing with 2.8. Notwithstanding his wayward kicking for goal, Bartlett clearly is best-on-ground, racking up 33 disposals (29 kicks, four handballs) in another dominant display. Captain Royce Hart and champion centreman Ian Stewart score three goals apiece, while lanky Tiger teenage forward David Cloke make his senior debut.

Round 2, 1977, MCG, Easter Monday: Richmond 19.6 (120) defeats Hawthorn 17.17 (119).

In a sensational, see-sawing battle, with huge momentum swings throughout, the star-studded, seasoned Hawks have the upper hand midway through the last quarter and seem set to take the four points. New Richmond coach Barry Richardson decides to roll the dice and bring 20^th man Jim Jess on to the field. Jess, placed at full-forward, has an instant impact. He goals after taking a fine mark and converts again a few minutes later from a free kick. But the 22-year-old, in just his eighth senior league game, is saving his best for last. With the Tigers trailing by four points and the final siren imminent, Jess, literally, rises to the occasion. He soars high above Hawthorn full-back Kelvin Moore to pull down a spectacular mark and then coolly slots the goal, which puts Richmond two points ahead. Although the Hawks forward again, they manage to score only a behind, and the final siren signals a famous, stirring one-point win for the Tigers.

Round 3, 1982, MCG, Easter Monday: Richmond 25.22 (172) defeats Essendon 16.14 (110).

A massive crowd of 90,564 witness a tight, high-quality contest up until three-quarter-time with just 11 points separating the two teams, in Richmond’s favour. The Tigers, however, run riot in the final term, scoring 10.2 to 2.1 to run out 62-point winners. Star of the show is classy Richmond rover Robert Wiley, who amasses 33 disposals and kicks seven goals (7.0) in a dazzling display. Kevin Bartlett, playing as a small forward in the twilight of his magnificent career at Tigerland, (his 364^th game) boots four goals.

Round 3, 1998, MCG, Easter Saturday: Richmond 15.13 (103) defeats Hawthorn 15.7 (97).

Trailing by 21 points at the last change, and headed for almost certain defeat, the Tigers put into practice a line from their famous theme song: “If we’re behind, then never mind. We’ll fight and fight and win”. They outscore their opponents 7.4 to 3.1 in the final quarter to snatch a rousing six-point victory. Big Ben Holland is the leading goalkicker on the ground with five majors, while another Ben – Harrison – boots four. It’s Brendon Gale, however, who receives the three Brownlow votes for his powerful performance in the ruck. “The Chief” is a constant source of inspiration for the Richmond side throughout the match, finishing with 25 disposals, nine marks and 26 hit-outs.