John Sheahan

Throughout 2025, we are transporting Richmond supporters back 60 years to what was a pivotal season in the Club’s history – 1965. We take a look today at The Age newspaper’s report of the Tigers’ final pre-season hit-out, and also the Club’s playing list for the season.

Richmond’s forwards showed splendid form in a final practice match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday.

For several seasons, the forward line has been Richmond’s greatest worry, but Saturday’s display was most encouraging.

Coach Len Smith said: “I think we have improved since last year, but just how much remains to be seen in the opening match against Melbourne."

Bill Barrot seemed to relish his new role of ruck-rover. He changed on a half-forward flank and was the most damaging player afield, kicking four goals.

Youthful John Sheahan, who has been centre of a clearance dispute between Richmond and Sandringham, gave an outstanding performance on a half-forward flank.

He marked well and moved with tremendous pace when he won the ball on the ground. His disposal was good, and he showed sound goal sense.

University Blues recruit Linton Lethlean, and Castlemaine’s Kevin Delmenico, were both tried on Sheahan, but neither could curb his brilliant play.

Eighteen-year-old Barry Richardson, from St. Patrick’s College, Ballarat, impressed officials as the best prospect they have had at full-forward for many years.

A good mark and a strong kick, led out well and proved he had plenty of talent by kicking four goals. Inaccuracy cost several others.

Regular players Trevor Gowers and Don Davenport did well on their respective wings.

Captain Neville Crowe is fast approaching top form. He rucked tirelessly and took several well-timed marks.

Others to impress were Mike Hammond (back pocket), Peter Hogan (rover), Pat Guinane (centre half-forward) and followers Alan Richardson and Michael Patterson.

The only injury problem in Saturday’s game came when follower Ian Hayden, who had a cartilage operation last year, limped from the field with knee soreness.

However, the club doctor said later there was no need for concern as there had been no serious damage done to the knee. Hayden may train tomorrow night.

Richmond list for 1965 season

OLD PLAYERS – W. Barrot, W. Brown, N. Busse, B. Cameron, N. Crowe (capt.), D. Davenport, R. Dean, M. Deery, F. Dimattina, G. Gahan, T. Gowers, F. Guinane, M. Hammond, I. Hayden, P. Logan, A. Jewell, R. Lienert, O. Madigan, J. Northey, M. Patterson, J. Perry, A. Richardson, J. Robertson, B. Smith, F. Swift, R. Warner, K. Smith.

NEW PLAYERS – G. Bamford (Hamilton Imperials), K. Bartlett (under 19s), J. Chivers (Tas), J. Crapp (University Blues), W. Dickeson (Nhill), L. Lethlean (University Blues), M. Perry (Old Scotch), B. Richardson (St. Patrick’s, Ballarat), J. Ronaldson (under 19s), J. Sheahan (Sandringham), G. Strang (Albury).

TO BE CONSIDERED WHEN FIT – T. Garland, N. Judkins, J. McKenzie, P. McLaren.

TO BE CONSIDERED WHEN AVAILABLE – D. Beale (Yarrawonga), F. Boogert (Beaconsfield), T. Carr (Stawell), B. Dellavedova (Maryborough), N. Gorman (Yallourn), E. Moore (Coleraine), K. O’Connor (South Bendigo), J. Scanlon (East Ballarat), K. Tassell (Ararat), T. White (Cobden).

SUPPLEMENTARY – G. Burgin (Vermont), P. Camilleri (Sandown), K. Clarke (St Kilda CBC), J. Deer (under 19s), C. Goodson (under 19s), P. McDonald (St. Patrick’s, Ballarat), R. Robinson (under 19s), R. Shannon (under 19s), J. Tyquin (Werribee), W. Walford (under 19s).

OFF LIST – G. Arnold (Dandenong), J. Caulfield (Port Melbourne), V. Crowe (Amateurs), J. Dobson (Waverley), R. Evans (Edithvale), R. Grimmond (Tas), R. Hickman (Tas), J. Lawson (Waverley), E. Lienert (Dandenong), N. Madigan (Tas), T. Morrissey (South Warrnambool), B. McMillan (Dandenong), R. Richardson (Prahran), J. Richmond (Tas), G. Williamson (South Melbourne), R. Selleck.