In the lead-up to Richmond’s preliminary final clash next Friday night, Tony Greenberg lists (in chronological order) his top 10 Tiger preliminary final memories...
1. 1969 v Collingwood, MCG: Young Richmond ruckman Michael Green continues his excellent ’69 finals series with a dominant display against the Magpies, and a top-class opponent in Len Thompson. Green plays a significant role in the Tigers’ 26-point win, finishing with 18 kicks, eight handballs and 14 marks.
2. 1969 v Collingwood, MCG: Brilliant Tiger rover Kevin Bartlett produces a trademark superb September showing – 25 disposals (23 kicks, two handballs) and four goals (4.3) – running rings around the Magpies.
3. 1971 v St Kilda, MCG: The Tigers enter the match as warm favourites after comfortably disposing of Collingwood in the first semi-final, but are unsuited by the soggy conditions and suffer a 30-point loss. Barry Richardson shines up forward for Richmond, maximising his opportunities with five goals from seven kicks. Allan Davis, a wet-weather specialist, boots six goals for the Saints.
4. 1973 v Collingwood, MCG: Despite being severely hampered with a chronic knee problem, Royce Hart manages to inspire a tremendous second-half comeback by Richmond that leads to a stirring seven-point triumph over the Magpies. Hart watches the first half of the match from the bench, resting his injured knee, but with the Tigers trailing by six goals at the long break (they were as much as 45 points behind during the second term), coach Tommy Hafey has no option but to call on his champion captain and centre half-forward for a supreme, do-or-die effort. Hart responds in typically brilliant style, kicking two goals and having a hand in several others, to drag Richmond over the line and into the Grand Final.
5. 1973 v Collingwood, MCG: Big forward Neil Balme bangs through a game-high five goals, including a crucial one just before half-time that at least gives the Tigers a slight pulse going into the main break. He clearly is the most influential forward on the ground over the course of the match, and plays a key role in the famous Richmond victory.
6. 1973 v Collingwood, MCG: Dependable defender Mervyn Keane showcases his bravery by taking a great, gutsy mark deep in the Tigers’ backline, in the dying moments of the game, to snuff out any chance of a Magpie win.
7. 1975 v North Melbourne, Waverley Park: A talented 17-year-old forward by the name of Allan Edwards, playing just his 15th senior league game, kicks four goals out of Richmond’s total of eight, as the Tigers’ dreams of a premiership hat-trick are dashed by the Kangaroos.
8. 1995 v Geelong, Waverley Park: The final result is a shocker for Richmond, with the Cats dishing out a 89-point drubbing. But the Tiger Army underline their mighty Yellow and Black passion and loyalty, proudly singing, chanting and cheering for their heroes in the rain as the one-sided match comes to an end.
9. 2017 v Greater Western Sydney, MCG: Talented, young small forward Daniel Rioli lights up the big September stage with a superb four-goal performance in Richmond’s decisive 36-point victory over Greater Western Sydney.
10. 2017 v Greater Western Sydney, MCG: Dynamic midfielder Dustin Martin continues his September (and entire season) to remember, booting three goals in another dominant display for the Tigers.
