Throughout 2025, we will be transporting Richmond supporters back 60 years to what was a pivotal season in the Club’s history – 1965. Today, we take a look at then chief football writer for The Age newspaper Percy Beames’ report of a turbulent Tigers intra-club practice match.
Punches were thrown in several hectic clashes during an entertaining Richmond practice game at Punt Road yesterday.
The first incident to set the crowd roaring was when big centre half-forward Pat Guinane clashed heavily with centre half-back Tony Jewell shortly after the first quarter started.
Opposing rovers Don Davenport and Peter Hogan were involved in a second explosive incident.
Hogan was flattened and the central umpire raced in and spoke to Davenport.
A few minutes later Hogan left the field and was treated by the club doctor for a cut above the right eye.
Bill Barrot, who played on a wing, was the best afield.
Besides showing dashing ground play Barrot was sure in the air and repeatedly drove the ball forward with well-placed drop kicks.
His only blemish was a tendency to stray from position, but it was evident he is overcoming a habit that earned him much criticism last season.
Pat Guinane was outstanding at centre half-forward.
He marked spectacularly, used his strength to bullock his way through packs, and his position play was backed by plenty of mobility.
It suggested Guinane’s ground play has improved greatly since last season.
Don Davenport roved intelligently and, while resting off the ball, kicked four goals from a pocket.
Around the packs, Davenport was fast and alert, his ball control was good and little fault could be found with his disposal.
Peter Hogan was another prominent rover and he picked up three goals when resting off the ball.
Half-forward flanker John Northey had a good day and by half-time had kicked five goals.
Later on, the close attention of Graham Gahan cut down on some of Northey’s brilliance.
Trevor Gowers was tried on a wing and fought out an even and entertaining battle with Maurie Deery.
Geoff Strang, from Albury, battled hard to match centre half-forward Bruce Smith.
Strang, 6ft. 1in., is a strong player. He has a touch of class and should be an acquisition to the Tigers.
John Ronaldson, a 6ft. 5in. 15st. follower from the under 19 team, gave a good exhibition of ruck work and marking.
With more experience he may develop into a top player.
Neville Crowe, Fred Swift and Mike Perry are in good form.
John Robertson and Bill Brown (both influenza), Ian Hayden (bruised calf) and Graham Bamford (broken nose) could not play and Ararat rover Kevin Tassel was unavailable.
