To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Richmond’s 1973 premiership, we have been transporting Tiger fans back in time throughout 2023 to relive that glorious Yellow and Black year. After the ’73 season, there was still some interesting news emanating from Punt Road. Here is an article from The Age newspaper by leading football writer Peter McFarline on the appointment of Ian Wilson as the Tigers’ president.
Ian Wilson, 39, was last night elected president of Richmond Football Club.
He replaces Mr. Al Boord, who resigned because of ill-health.
Within minutes of his election, Mr. Wilson promised continuing joy for Richmond supporters, a hard time for the Victorian Football League and criticised the Richmond Cricket Club.
Mr. Wilson said:
“I realise the main aim of any football club is to win football matches each Saturday. We will work to develop our metropolitan zone, and increase our efforts to get Ken McAullay (star WA key defender) into a Richmond jumper.
“Our motto for next year is ‘Four more in ‘74’.” Richmond last season won the firsts, reserve, under 19 and under 17 premierships.
“We will continue to press the VFL for more money for clubs.
“We feel too much money is going to VFL Park and not enough to the clubs which actually put on the show.
“Some clubs have to resort to illegal raffles and fund-raising activities to get a side on the ground each week. The VFL must be made to realise this.”
Mr. Wilson said his club would continue to support a drafting scheme for recruits to replace the present zoning scheme.
The VFL directors will discuss the drafting move at its meeting on November 28, but is certain to reject it.
Mr. Wilson attacked Richmond Cricket Club over moves to form a joint social club with the football club.
“We feel the cricket club is procrastinating and playing a delaying game,” he said. “We are the only VFL club without a social club and we will get one, either with the cricket club or with someone else.”
Richmond, with 10,500 senior football club members, is the third largest football club in the VFL.
Mr. Wilson, a company director, will continue as the club’s VFL director.
He was not opposed for the presidency at last night’s committee meeting.
Mr. Wilson has been vice-president of the club for two and a half years.
Committeeman Mr. Ron Carson was elected vice-president.
Mr. Wilson said Mr. Boord had been a great leader of the club and it was a tragedy to lose his services.
