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 delve into the archives of The Age newspaper again for a review by Mike Sheahan of Richmond’s Round 18 match of the ’74 season against Essendon at the MCG.
Richmond, whose self-assurance often borders on arrogance, was at its ruthless best at the MCG on Saturday.
Confronted by bitter rival Essendon, the Tigers emerged unscathed, victorious – and with an invaluable bonus.
They overcame the spirited Essendon opposition to win the “needle” clash by 47 points and jump two places to the top of the ladder.
Richmond, a strong chance to win its second successive flag, grabbed the prized first place at the expense of Collingwood and North Melbourne, beaten unexpectedly on Saturday.
The Tigers, involved in a violent clash with Essendon at Windy Hill on May 18, were too powerful on Saturday.
They were determined to show their superiority from the first bounce, and they did just that.
They stormed to a five-goal lead in the first 16 minutes of the game, overcame the Bombers’ second quarter revival and clinched a comfortable win with seven goals in the last quarter.
The tireless Tigers trio of Kevin Sheedy, Kevin Bartlett and Francis Bourke destroyed the Dons.
Sheedy, astute, determined and often unattended, led the early Richmond onslaught and was so effective he outshone Kevin Bartlett, who amassed 35 kicks for a total of 73 in two games.
Richmond coach Tom Hafey was delighted by the Tigers’ jump to top place – but pointed out that they faced North Melbourne next Saturday and that the team still had room for improvement.
He implied that Gareth Andrews would take over at centre half-back after the indifferent display by Robert McGhie, and he expects more drive from the half-forward line.
David Cloke, who substituted at centre half-forward on Saturday for injured skipper Royce Hart, gave the Tigers plenty of drive but the flankers were quiet.
Essendon captain-coach Des Tuddenham hates defeat but admitted after the game he was relatively happy.
The encouraging performances of youngsters Gary Foulds, Simon Madden, Dean Hartigan and Gary Fitzpatrick were the basis of Tuddy’s bright expectations for next year.
He was right.
It was full-forward Alan Noonan’s inaccuracy and the mediocre form of several other established players which allowed Richmond to take command.
The Tigers looked good, as they usually do at this stage of the season.
Their system was sound, they maintained pressure and they took the occasional skirmish in their stride, although Tuddenham twice upset centreman David Thorpe.
Match details
Richmond 5.5 9.9 13.9 20.15 (135)
Essendon 2.4 6.8 9.11 12.16 (88)
Goals – Richmond: Cloke 5, Sheedy 4, Balme 3, Thorpe 3, Bartlett 2, Clayton, Cumming, Hewitt.
Leading disposal-winners – Richmond: Bartlett 38, Sheedy 32, Bourke 25, Walsh 23, Thorpe 22, Cumming 20, Wood 20.
Best players – Richmond: Sheedy (best on ground), Bartlett, Bourke, Cloke, Walsh, Cumming.
Goals – Essendon: Wilson 4, Foulds 2, Noonan 2, Ellen, Fields, Fitzpatrick, Madden.
Leading disposal-winners – Essendon: Fields 25, Wilson 23, Fletcher 22, Moss 21, Smith 20.
Best players – Essendon: Pryor, Wilson, Moloney, Fletcher, Moss, Smith.
Attendance: 34,478.
