We continue our special series reflecting on Richmond’s 1966 pre-season, leading into the great Tommy Hafey’s debut season as the Tigers’ coach, courtesy of ‘The Age’ newspaper archives . . .
From ‘The Age’, April 4, 1966 . . .
“Richmond’s regular full-back Fred Swift was tested at full-forward in the Tigers’ main practice match yesterday and kicked four goals.
Selectors are experimenting with the spearhead position because of Mick Erwin’s knee cartilage operation.
The other full-forward was Barry Richardson, who kicked two goals.
Richmond’s big men dominated the game, with captain Neville Crowe in brilliant form.
Pat Guinane, used as a follower and forward, was another good big man. He took many high marks and kicked four goals.
John Ronaldson, a 6ft 5in follower, who was groomed in the under-19s team last year, is improving each week, and should be a regular member of the senior team . . .
One of the best defenders was Geoff Strang, on a half-back flank.”
From ‘The Age’, April 6 . . .
“Richmond Football Club has another practice match planned for tomorrow – but there will be one difference from the game played last Tuesday night.
This time the Tigers will supply their own field umpires.
Officials do not want a repetition of last week’s incident when centreman Bill Barrot was reported by field umpire Ron Furlong.
The charge of alleged abusive language against Barrot will be heard by the League Tribunal tonight (he was subsequently cleared of the charge).
The Tigers asked the VFL to supply an umpire for last Tuesday’s game.
Richmond secretary Mr Graeme Richmond said: “I’m sure we’ll get along quite all right with our own umpire.”
From ‘The Age’, April 9 . . .
“Richmond will try to sort out a tough roving problem when it plays a Combined Ovens and Murray team at Wangaratta tomorrow.
Four rovers, Peter Hogan, Frank Dimattina, Kevin Bartlett and Barry Teague will make the trip.
There has been little between the four in the practice matches played so far.
Fred Swift, who has kicked 10 goals in the past two practice matches, will be at full-forward again.”
From ‘The Age’, April 12, 1966 . . .
“The Tigers were far too accomplished for a depleted Ovens and Murray side and won without ever being seriously extended, 21.34 to 7.9 . . .
Last year’s full-back Fred Swift continues to prove that he can get goals as a full-forward, but he spoilt a lot of his effectiveness by kicking inaccurately.
Swift kicked 5.9 for the day and some of his misses were from point-blank range.
In three practice matches, Swift has totalled 15 goals, and it seems certain he will be named as the spearhead for the opening game.
The roving battle was not clarified despite Peter Hogan’s prominence. A lot of Hogan’s best work was done in the forward pocket, where he kicked most of his five goals.
Frank Dimattina, Kevin Bartlett and Barry Teague all roved well in patches.
Pat Guinane stood out amongst the big men and obviously is in for a good season.”
Also from April 12, 1966 . . .
“The Tigers are waiting on six match permits from Albury for half-back flanker Geoff Strang, who played three games on permits last year.
Strang was the Tigers’ best player in last Sunday’s match against the Ovens and Murray League at Wangaratta, and will be in the team to play Carlton on April 25 (Round 1) if the permits are granted.”
