To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Tigers’ 1969 premiership, richmondfc.com.au is regularly transporting Yellow and Black barrackers back in time throughout this year to follow the Punt Road path to that fabulous flag triumph. Today we take a look at a report in ‘The Age’ newspaper on Richmond’s first intra-club practice match in the lead-up to the opening round of the ’69 season.
Ruck-rover Alan Richardson, who recently was refused a clearance to South Melbourne, showed the form that made him a star in Richmond’s 1967 premiership year, in the Tigers’ practice game yesterday.
Richardson repeatedly kept the play flowing with his intelligent work in and around the packs, and his handball, the most striking part of his play, started many good moves.
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Last season he was dogged by injuries and poor form, and his future as a League player looked over.
Bill Barrot, also affected by injury and spasmodic form last year, gave a brilliant display in the centre yesterday.
“I feel completely happy with my form. My thigh did not give me any trouble and I am looking forward to this season,” he said.
Top rover Kevin Bartlett, who scooped many football awards last season, has resumed where he left off last year – in dazzling form.
Selectors put him on a wing in the last quarter yesterday, and he still continued to shine.
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Kevin Sheedy was safe in the back pocket, and full-backs Colin Beard and Ray Ball both did well to limit the scoring opportunities of full-forwards Wayne Judd and Pat Guinane.
Half-forward Russell Tully, who suffered a severe ankle injury in his only League game last year, strained his knee ligaments early in the first quarter, and officials will not know for a few days the extent of the injury.
