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 review Richmond’s victory over North Melbourne in Round 14 of the ’73 season.
Richmond’s brigade of big men spearheaded a convincing win for the team against North Melbourne in the Round 14, 1973 clash at Arden Street.
Star ruckman Michael Green produced a super performance, taking an astonishing 18 marks, while Brian Roberts also was impactful in the ruck with seven marks and 25 hit-outs.
Up forward, Neil Balme booted six goals in a dominant display and Ricky McLean kicked two from six shots.
The Tigers led by only seven points at the first change, but seized total control in the second quarter, scoring 6.4 to 2.4 to take a comfortable 31-point advantage into the half-time break.
North tried hard to bridge the gap during the second half, but Richmond was far too accomplished and cruised to a 39-point win.
The Tigers had many other excellent contributors on the day apart from their big men.
Brilliant centreman Ian Stewart continued his form, delivering the ball to teammates with trademark class.
Kevin Sheedy was constantly in and under the packs, shovelling the ball out to teammates.
Clever, young half-forward Robert Lamb again hit the scoreboard in his debut season of league football, kicking four goals to take his overall tally to 21 in 10 games.
Down back for Richmond, Francis Bourke, Rex Hunt, Laurie Fowler and Merv Keane constantly repelled the Roos’ attacking moves.
Tigers captain and superstar centre half-forward Royce Hart, who returned to the line-up following a three-game absence due to a shin injury, moved around well.
He finished the match with 16 disposals, six marks and two goals in good signs for the rest of his season.
Match details
Richmond 4.4 10.8 14.10 17.15 (117)
North Melbourne 3.3 5.7 9.8 11.12 (78)
Goals – Richmond: Balme 6, Lamb 4, Hart 2, McLean 2, Sheedy 2, Bartlett.
Leading disposal-winners – Richmond: Sheedy 24, Bartlett 20, Stewart 19, Bourke 17, Green 17, Hart 16, Jackson 16, Keane 16.
Best – Richmond: Green (best on ground), Bourke, Stewart, Balme, Roberts, Sheedy, Lamb.
Goals – North Melbourne: Wade 4, G. Farrant 2, Peterson 2, Davis, Goodingham, Schimmelbusch.
Leading disposal-winners – North Melbourne: Goodingham 22, Rantall 21, Davis 20, Peterson 20, G. Farrant 19, Feltham 19, Kekovich 18, Pretty 18.
Best – North Melbourne: Rantall, Pretty, Gumbleton, Peterson, Goodingham, Wade, G. Farrant.
Crowd: 19,114.
