Throughout 2025, we are transporting Richmond supporters back 60 years to what was a pivotal season in the Club’s history – 1965. Today, we look at The Age newspaper’s match report of the Tigers’ pre-season win against a combined Western Border side.

Richmond had a 74-point win over a Western Border team at Hamilton yesterday, but may not have the services of outstanding wingman Bill Brown in the opening match.

Brown was taken from the field with a twisted ankle in the final term, and club officials said he would not train on Tuesday and may not train at all this week.

The Tigers beat the Western Border League 16.16 to 5.8, but it was not until the last quarter they took complete charge of the game.

Richmond was held goalless in the third quarter and led by only 22 points at the last change.

However, in the final quarter the Tigers ran away and kicked eight goals to win comfortably.

In the early stages, Richmond was held together by follower Neville Crowe and full-back Fred Swift.

Barry Richardson, playing at full-forward and also having a run on the ball, was the most impressive recruit. He kicked three goals. 

Another newcomer to show out was Geoff Strang on a half-back flank.

Around the packs, Richmond rover Peter Hogan was prominent, and he and Don Davenport each kicked two goals.

Another rover, Frank Dimattina, withdrew from the side because of a family bereavement.

For the Western Border side, Dennis Zeunert starred at centre half-back against Pat Guinane, and Les McKinnon was match for Roger Dean in the centre.

At centre half-forward, Dennis Railton won many kicks for his team.

Match details
Richmond: 3.4    8.7    8.10    16.16 (112)
W. Border: 2.2    3.3    5.6    5.8 (38)
Goals – Richmond: B. Richardson 3, Hogan 2, Dean 2, Davenport 2, Crowe 2, Gowers 2, Guinane, Patterson, Warner.
Goals – W. Border: Wombell 2, Railton, Bell, Cocks.
Best – Richmond: Crowe, Swift, Hogan, Dean, Perry, B. Richardson.
Best – W. Border: Zeunert, Railton, McKinnon, Payne, O’Brien, Bourke.