To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Tigers’ 1974 premiership, Richmond Media is transporting Yellow and Black barrackers back in time throughout 2024 to follow the Punt Road path to that tremendous triumph. Today we reflect on the wild and woolly Windy Hill brawl that rocked the League football world 50 years ago today (Saturday, May 18, 1974) . . .
One of the biggest and most brutal brawls in AFL/VFL history took place right on the half-time break of Richmond’s Round 7, 1974 clash with Essendon at Windy Hill.
Just before the half-time siren, with Richmond leading by 10 points, big Tiger recruit Mal Brown clashed with Bomber ruckman Graeme ‘Jerker’ Jenkin.
Brown was standing over Jenkin as the siren sounded and he then started to walk towards the players’ race.
Essendon runner Laurie Ashley, who was sitting on the bench, unleashed a verbal barrage at Brown, which triggered the carnage that followed.
Brown, in his book, ‘Mal Brown and Mongrels I’ve Met’, said: “As I passed on my way to the Richmond race, Ashley made a derogatory remark and . . . bamm!”
The Bombers’ 19th man, John Cassin, still wearing his dressing-gown, flew off the bench, looking like Batman, and grabbed Brown in a headlock.
It was then on for young and old . . .
Within seconds, players, officials and a bunch of spectators who jumped the fence were involved in a wild-swinging punch-on, while about a dozen police and five umpires tried to break it up.
Police horses were on the field and one trod on Brown’s foot.
Essendon fitness advisor Jim Bradley, who had run on to the ground to have a crack at Brown, had his jaw broken in a confrontation with Richmond’s team manager Graeme Richmond.
Seventeen-year-old Tiger Stephen Parson, in just his third senior game, also clouted Bradley.
Richmond ruckman Brian ‘The Whale’ Roberts had his nose broken by a beer can hurled by a spectator.
In the midst of all the fiery action was six-year-old Richmond fan James Ferguson.
He had become separated from his father and brothers in the crowd and was being escorted around the boundary line by a policeman, when all hell broke loose.
The policeman ran on to the ground and Ferguson followed him into the fray.
Brown subsequently fuelled the fire when he gave a victory salute as he walked up the players’ race.
Tiger Kevin Morris emerged from the rooms to throw a bucket of water over the maddened crowd.
Richmond secretary Alan Schwab later said Tiger players went to the aid of a teammate (Brown) who was attacked.
Graeme Richmond declared that the Club would not play at Essendon again until the visitors’ race was covered, and adequate protection provided for players.
The Tigers boycotted the then traditional after-match get-together with the opposition team.
An angry Richmond, his face swollen, also after being hit by a beer can, told the players in the tension-filled dressing-room after the match: “I advise you to get dressed quickly and get out of here. Go back to Richmond and enjoy our own company. Let Essendon stay here.”
No reports were made by the umpires on the day, but following an emergency meeting of VFL directors, investigation officer Jack Chessell was given the responsibility to bring charges against those involved in the brawl to front the tribunal.
Seven people were charged, and the tribunal handed down the following verdicts:
Essendon’s Ron Andrews suspended for six matches for striking Richmond’s Brian Roberts.
Essendon’s Jim Bradley suspended for six matches for striking Richmond’s Mal Brown.
Essendon’s Laurie Ashley suspended for six matches for abusive language.
Essendon’s John Cassin found not guilty of striking Richmond’s Mal Brown.
Richmond’s Stephen Parsons suspended for four matches for striking Essendon’s Jim Bradley.
Richmond’s Graeme Richmond fined $2000 and suspended until December 31 for striking Essendon’s Jim Bradley.
Richmond’s Mal Brown suspended for one match for striking Essendon’s Laurie Ashley.
Brown said: “I think I got a week because the judge said no one would believe us if you didn’t get a week.”
Graeme Richmond and Stephen Parsons also were charged by police with assault, but subsequently cleared.
Tribunal chairman John Winneke had no doubt who had precipitated the mayhem at Windy Hill on May 18, 1974 . . . Essendon runner Laurie Ashley.
“You have the dubious distinction, Mr Ashley, of starting off what can only be described as an unseemly brawl,” Winneke said.
As for the match itself, Richmond won by 10 points with dynamic ruck-rover Kevin Sheedy producing a best-on-ground performance against the team he would ultimately coach for more than a quarter of a century.
Sheedy racked up plenty of possessions and capped off his strong work with three goals.
Paul Sproule also kicked three goals against his former side, while triple Brownlow Medallist Ian Stewart, playing as a half-forward, was the top goal-scorer on the ground with five.
The ever-reliable star duo of Kevin Bartlett and Francis Bourke were other top performers for the Tigers.
It was to be Rex Hunt’s last game with Richmond before crossing to Geelong.
Interestingly, three members of the Essendon team – Barry Grinter, Alan Noonan and Gary Parkes – later played at Richmond.
Match details
Richmond 5.3 9.8 13.12 16.19 (115)
Essendon 5.7 7.10 11.12 15.15 (105)
Goals – Richmond: Stewart 5, Sheedy 3, Sproule 3, Bartlett, Hunt, Morris, Roberts, Wood.
Leading disposal-winners – Richmond: Bartlett 26, Walsh 26, Keane 23, Bourke 22, Sheedy 22.
Best players – Richmond: Sheedy (best on ground), Stewart, Bourke, Bartlett, Wood, Walsh, Green.
Goals – Essendon: Crow 4, Roberts 4, Noonan 3, Fields 2, Gross, Moloney.
Leading disposal-winners – Essendon: Moss 31, Fields 27, Andrews 20, Fletcher 20, Parkes 19.
Best players – Essendon: Moss, Andrews, Pryor, Fields, Roberts, Fletcher, Jenkin.
Attendance: 24,376.
