To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Tigers’ 1973 premiership, Richmond Media is transporting Yellow and Black barrackers back in time throughout 2023 to follow the Punt Road path to that fabulous flag triumph. Today, we examine how star ruckman Michael Green was progressing with his comeback to league football, early that season, in the following article by The Age newspaper’s Peter McFarline . . .

Champions can come back, according to Richmond ruckman Michael Green.

Well, he didn’t exactly say “champions” – just “I can come back”.

But anyone who saw him guide Richmond to the 1969 premiership would call him a champion.

Now he’s making a comeback – and after four games, it’s a success.

“I’m happy with what I’ve done so far,” he said last night.

What he has done so far is be one of the Tigers’ best players in their past three games after a year away from football.

“I’m treating the whole thing as a week-to-week job. I haven’t set my eyes on the finals or even a good year,” Green said.

“Until each game is played, I don’t even know who we are playing the next week.

“The system seems to be working. I have felt the ground under me before taking any of the steps in my comeback.

“When Richmond asked me after last year’s Grand Final if I would make a comeback I said I would train during the summer and see.

“I trained, then said I’d take part in pre-season training to see how I went in the practice matches.

“After the last practice match against North Melbourne I said I’d try to play a few games just to see how I was.

“I’m happy the way things are going – but I’m certainly not looking beyond next week.”

Richmond is happy with the way he is going too – the man who retired from football at the age of 23 in 1971 because he was disillusioned.

Green sat down as a part-time football writer last season and – surprise, surprise – started to think differently.

“The thought passed around my head that I had talent for the game – and did I have the right not to use it to the full.

“Was I running out on myself and others by not putting to the best use what I knew I could do well?

“When the Grand Final came around and Richmond was beaten, I wanted to be a part of the team.”

So early this year he sat down with coach Tom Hafey and worked out a training routine that offered him enthusiasm and less infringement on work and family.

“I only train with the team one night a week – on Tuesday.

“I run every morning though, about three miles. I live near Tom and usually pass him on my training runs so he knows I am not bludging.

“And usually at lunchtimes I go down to Richmond and train by myself. That gives me the rest of the afternoon off for work – whereas training at 4.30p.m. is the end of your working day.

“Being out of the football atmosphere much of the week has helped me.

“Before I used to be in it all the time – now I find I react better to the atmosphere on a Saturday by being away from it most of the week.”

Green might only see his comeback as a week-to-week proposition.

But the rest of Richmond sees itself on the MCG in September as premiers – with Green a very important member of the side.