WA Richmond Supporter Group

For the last 7 years, living in Kalgoorlie, I have cheered from afar shouting at my television cheering on the tigers alone. Finally I have come back to Perth and sought out my Brethren of fellow tiger supporters and found the WA Richmond Supporter group. Outside of Victoria, Western Australia has the highest number of Tiger supporters. A group of passionate people, that live and breathe yellow and Black.

Last Friday I met with Damian Green, President of the WA supporter group, to discuss the group and their involvement in events held in WA. Events include family days, fund raising for the club, trips to the zoo and even a car rally planned for the 2^nd of June for those with Richmond number plates before Monday’s game with the eagles.

Damian believes that there are exciting times ahead for the tigers, with Coach Damien Hardwick “bringing toughness” to the club that has been missing for some time. He went on to say that Dimma is now in his 4^th year as coach and we are coming into the premiership window with players maturing and an increasing depth to the squad.

This week we are preparing to take on the Dockers at Pattersons stadium and the tigers are coming to Perth. To prepare for the game, the WA supporters group have a few events:

Thursday April 25^th there is a footy clinic at Kitchener Park for kids 12 and under, past players will run the kids through some drills and work on some technical skills.

Friday April 26^th there will be a pre-game function held at the Vic hotel (near Pattersons stadium) kicking off at 4pm, there will also be a post-game function at the Subiaco sports bar (we also encourage any travelling supporters to attend). There are raffle tickets available for purchase, which raises money for the club, prizes include a trip for two to Melbourne with accommodation, a tour of the Punt road facilities with Flea, and jumper signed by the team (tickets are $10 each).

Saturday’s game against Collingwood, I was able to watch the game and shout at the TV cheering on the boys on, but for once I don’t think I was the loudest person in the room. The WA supporters group meet at the Odin (the base for the WA supporters group) at 51 Erindale road, to watch the game as a group (as with all games not in Perth).

Whilst there I met a couple of the committee members for the WA supporters group Russell McBeath and David Marley. Two very passionate Tiger members also looking forward to the impending success we all believe is just around the corner. I spoke to both men after the game to get their thoughts:

“We lost the game in the third quarter” Russell said “A few decisions probably should have gone our way such as the video review goal, but can you do” 

“We struggled a bit in the 3^rd quarter against Collingwood, but it was good to see we kept fighting” David added “My wife and kids are also Richmond supporters which is rare living interstate” when asked about the Dockers game David Marley also said “I reckon we’ll come here and win”

There are many supporters for Richmond in WA and we are looking forward to this week’s game. After asking around the WA supporters group it would seem we are all tipping Richmond to beat Fremantle especially without Mathew Pavlich. To contact the WA supporters group about any events you can email wa@rfcsupportergroup.com

There are supporter groups in every state most of which have some affiliation with the club and hold events. If you can’t make it to a game or you are too far away you can find out more about supporter groups in your region by going to http://www.richmondfc.com.au/fans/supporter-groups and find out what’s happening in your area.

You can follow me on twitter @BenDepedro