To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Tigers’ 1973 premiership, we are transporting Yellow and Black barrackers back in time throughout 2023 to follow the Punt Road path to that fabulous flag triumph. Today we take a look at a report in The Age newspaper by its chief football writer at the time, Percy Beames, on Richmond’s training preparation and selection issues for the 1973 qualifying clash with Carlton at the MCG . . .
Richmond ruck-rover and half-forward Kevin Morris hobbled a few laps of the MCG last night.
But don’t write him off for the qualifying game against Carlton at the MCG on Saturday.
Morris gives himself a 60/40 chance of playing.
If he makes the grade it will be one of the quickest recoveries from injuries this season, but no record.
Many a Tuesday crock has saddled up on a Saturday.
Morris suffered torn ankle ligaments against Footscray last Saturday and did not return after half-time.
He was on crutches on Sunday and on Monday the ankle was so sore he could not put his foot to the ground.
But he got a lot of relief when fluid was drained from the ankle on Monday night.
Morris will run tonight and tomorrow night.
Coach Tom Hafey said he had not written Morris off but warned he would need to be fit to get consideration.
Kevin Sheedy could find himself a ruck-rover if Morris is out.
The good news at Richmond is that captain Royce Hart is happy with his knee. Hart left the field with knee soreness in the last quarter on Saturday.
After a couple of warm-up laps last night Hart joined in general training and did well.
Hart said: “No worries. I felt no more than a trace of soreness and that will clear up with a couple more runs. It didn’t worry me at all and I’m rarin’ to go this week.”
Ricky McLean and Rex Hunt missed training.
Hafey told McLean not to come to the ground but work out for most of this week in a city gymnasium.
If McLean is picked he will be at full-forward.
Richmond players want McLean to play. McLean at full-forward would leave Hart for centre half-forward and Hunt could miss selection.
Hunt had a bad day against Footscray last Saturday. Police duties prevented Hunt from training last night.
Mike Green, Wayne Walsh and Daryl Cumming are sure to get serious consideration this week.
Green has strong claims as the Tigers might have to break up the Brian Roberts-Craig McKellar ruck combination.
Carlton captain-coach John Nicholls poses a problem to the Tigers.
There is a feeling that Bill Nalder lacks the experience to cope with Nicholls so McKellar could start in the back pocket.
Green could be used as a follower and spelled on a half-forward flank.
Walsh starred with the Reserves by winning 28 kicks last week. He could come in as a wingman against Carlton.
Robert Lamb injured a muscle at the front of his thigh playing with the Reserves and he could be out for a couple of weeks. He had a light run last night.
Francis Bourke, the Tigers’ best defender, is making splendid progress with his damaged knee medial ligament. There’s a definite chance of Bourke being fit to play if the Tigers make the Grand Final.
Bourke did lap work last night.
Richmond will sell tickets to members for the qualifying game at 9.30 a.m. today. Plenty of tickets are available at the Richmond ground.
