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. We take a look today at Richmond’s thumping victory over Fitzroy in Round 13 of the 1974 season at VFL Park, Waverley, with this match review in the Sunday Observer newspaper by five-time Melbourne premiership player and former Demons coach Ian Ridley.

Richmond, smarting after their Hawthorn defeat, went close to kicking a VFL record score in their trouncing of Fitzroy at VFL Park yesterday.

The Tigers’ total of 195 pts. was only 15 pts. short of Carlton’s record score kicked against the Hawks in 1969.

Glynn Hewitt and Robert Lamb grabbed the opportunity of a full game and kicked seven goals between them. Both were vital cogs in Richmond’s mammoth goal-kicking spree.

Kevin Bartlett spent more time in the forward pocket than in any other game. He hurt his knee in the third quarter and although he stayed on, and continued to play well, he would be very sore today.

His six goals and his general field play was typical of what VFL followers now expect from him.

The play of Tiger winger, Bryan Wood, improves with each game.

Richmond supporters were also delighted with the form of Wayne Walsh and Francis Bourke. Bourke’s goal in the third quarter was a highlight.

Fitzroy had many triers, but few outstanding players.

Kevin O’Keeffe and David Wall were the exception. O’Keeffe was a dashing and courageous defender and Wall was an accurate forward, finishing with five goals.

Even though Richmond’s win was over a down-the-list side, Tom Hafey must have been pleased. Their win proved again that they are entitled to premiership favoritism.

Fitzroy suffer a similar fate to all low sides. They lack penetration in their kicking and too often are under such pressure that they are unable to get method into their play.

Fitzroy finished the first quarter 17 pts. behind, but considering Richmond had the breeze advantage, they appeared to be still well in the game.

Then the Tiger machine went to work. Michael Green, Paul Sproule and Kevin Bartlett won the centre bounce. Their forwards with Robert Lamb, Glynn Hewitt, Mal Brown and Royce Hart in great touch, murdered their opposition.

When Fitzroy did manage to go forward, they found Wayne Walsh, Francis Bourke and Co. too big, too strong and too classy to penetrate.

Fitzroy’s only winning period was a 10-minute burst in the third quarter when they outplayed the Tigers. Their “keepings off” game, however, was short-lived and the Tigers were able to steam-roll their way to a devastating 20 goals 9 pt. victory.

Fitzroy never gave in at any stage, but how I felt for them.

Richmond’s form would have demoralized most sides in the VFL.

Mal Brown kicked three goals and used his weight and strength in no mean manner. Royce Hart proved that youth and class beats age and class by outplaying veteran Kevin Murray.

Match details

Richmond            5.3           15.8        22.16     29.21 (195)                                                                                Fitzroy                     2.4           3.5           7.8           9.12 (66)                                                                                                      

Goals – Richmond: Bartlett 6, Hewitt 5, Balme 4, Brown 3, Hart 2, Lamb 2, Sheedy 2, Wood 2.

Leading disposal-winners – Richmond: Sproule 33, Sheedy 30, Lamb 26, Walsh 24, Bartlett 23, Bourke 23, Hart 19, Wood 19.

Best players – Richmond: Bartlett, Wood, Lamb, Green, Hewitt, Bourke.

Goals – Fitzroy: Wall 5, Wilson 2, Austen, Richards.

Leading disposal-winners – Fitzroy: Wilson 33, Thompson 30, Miller 25, Irwin 23, O’Keeffe 21.

Best players – Fitzroy: O’Keeffe, Wall, Miller, Wilson, Irwin, McMahon.

Attendance: 16,455.