To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Tigers’ 1974 premiership, Richmond Media has been transporting Yellow and Black barrackers back in time throughout 2024 to follow the Punt Road path to that tremendous triumph. In the wake of Richmond’s ’74 second semi-final victory over North Melbourne, we take a look at an article in The Age newspaper by its chief football writer Percy Beames on the importance to the Tigers’ premiership chances of full-forward Barry Richardson.

Captain Royce Hart and Francis Bourke carried “dicky” knees to help Richmond land last year’s premiership.

Another “dicky” knee could be just as important this year.

It belongs to Barry Richardson who has suddenly become a premiership trump for the Tigers.

Richardson, 28, 191cm and 82.5 kg, is lucky to be playing League football, let alone starring in one of the toughest positions – full-forward.

He’s lost three of four knee cartilages.

But with a superb display of courage, Richardson proved on Saturday he was a true champion by kicking five of Richmond’s 10 goals against North Melbourne.

His fine play earned him plenty of attention.

He collected a heavy knock on the back of the head and lost interest in the game for a while in the second quarter.

“It was such a strange feeling. I wasn’t with the game for quite some time and I couldn’t focus properly. It has never happened to me before,” Richardson said.

Again in the third quarter he bit the dust after kicking a goal.

Meanwhile Richmond coach Tom Hafey wants to play a practice match if it can be arranged.

He realises normal training is not enough on its own to keep the Tigers premiership-tuned for the  Grand Final next Saturday week.

The Tigers are prepared to play anyone next Thursday, Saturday morning or Sunday.

Captain Royce Hart was the only player to come out of the semi-final with an injury. Hart had his nose broken.