Throughout 2025, we will be transporting Richmond supporters back 60 years to what was a pivotal season in the Club’s history, in 1965. We kick off today with a report in The Age newspaper on a Tigers’ intra-club practice match leading into the ’65 season.
“Outstanding recruit in Richmond’s main practice game yesterday was centre half-forward Barry Richardson, from St. Patrick’s College, Ballarat.
Richardson, 18, 6ft. 3in. and 13 st. pulled down several well-judged marks, and often placed the ball in the goal square with long, well-directed kicks.
In the first half Richmond proved too good for Mike Hammond and in the last two quarters continued to shine against Bob Hickman.
Richardson may be tried at full-forward next week, as the Tigers see certain to go into the first game with Pat Guinane at centre half-forward.
Guinane was brilliant yesterday and was the best player on the ground.
The two full-forwards used – Ross Warner and Neil Busse – played poorly. Neither player kicked a goal.
Twenty-year-old Geoff Strang, a son of former Richmond star Doug Strang, played impressively on a half-back flank. He is from Albury.
Strang showed he had plenty of courage and ability in an interesting duel with John Sheahan, from Sandringham.
Frank Dimattina, the likely first rover in the opening game, again turned in a promising performance. He capped a fine display by kicking four goals.
Hamilton Imperials player Graham Bamford also roved well. In the last quarter he was knocked heavily and had to leave the field with a broken nose.
Linton Lethlean, from University Blues, also boosted his chances of making the senior side with a solid display on a half-back flank and later in the centre.
Ian Hayden, who played well below his best in the first practice game, showed more confidence yesterday and now appears to be working back to his top.
Captain Neville Crowe made more kicks yesterday than the previous week, but still is well below his peak.”
A young Barry Richardson for Richmond.
