To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Tigers’ 1969 premiership, richmondfc.com.au is transporting Yellow and Black barrackers back in time throughout 2019 to follow the Punt Road path to that fabulous flag triumph. Today, we take a look at Footy Week’s review of the Tigers’ Round 5 match in the ’69 season against Fitzroy. The clash took place at the MCG on Saturday, May 3, 1969, before a crowd of 22,991. Here’s how Footy Week scribe Doug Mason reported on Richmond’s 65-point win, under the heading: “TIGERS KING OF JUNGLE” . . .
“Richmond had too much of everything for Fitzroy. They were too big, too strong, too fast and too talented.
The Tigers won – and won easily – because they had a dominant ruck, a great rover in Kevin Bartlett, an impregnable last line of defence and a more cohesive forward line.
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For Fitzroy, none tried harder than skipper Kevin Murray. After a quiet first quarter, he went on to the ball and set a wonderful example for his teammates. Unfortunately, they did not have the skill to follow his lead.
Kevin Bartlett was easily best on the ground. He had 36 kicks and did something constructive with each one.
Kevin Sheedy, in a back pocket, was close behind with an almost flawless game. Sheedy has a ruthless approach to the game and covers opponents like a fog. Probably the outstanding back pocket player in the VFL at the moment.
Barry Richardson put in a tremendous effort at full-back. He outclassed three opponents, backed his judgment superbly, kicked in well and, with Mike Green, formed a fantastic backline.
After a quiet second quarter, Green finished with 13 marks for the game. A great effort and, allied with good ruck play, made him one of Richmond’s best.
Mike Patterson celebrated his return to the big time with a splendid performance. The further the game went on, the better Mike played. With that game under his belt, he will add tremendous height and strength to the Tigers’ ruck.
If the Tigers have a weakness, it could be their backline. Young Ray Ball, playing his first game, at centre half-back, did well early, and may settled into this position.
On the flanks, Geoff Strang is still chasing kicks and Des McKenzie appears to be carrying an injury.
Peter Wood did well for the Lions. Although opponent Rex Hunt kicked five goals, Wood took the honors in individual duels.
On the half-back flank, John Benison held the elusive John Northey in check for most of the game.
Fitzroy coach Bill Stephen, quietly confident before the match, made many moves in an endeavor to lift his team. Doug Searl, Alex Ruscuklic and Bill Sykes were switched around on the forward lines, but to no avail.”
Match details
Richmond 5.3 11.6 16.9 18.12 (120)
Fitzroy 0.6 4.9 4.13 6.19 (55)
Goals – Richmond: Hunt 5, Brown 3, Dean 2, Patterson 2, Bourke, Barrot, Northey, Clay, Bartlett, Bond.
Best – Richmond: Bartlett, Sheedy, Green, Patterson, B. Richardson, Barrot, Bourke, Dean.
Tiger player stats
Kevin Sheedy: 19 kicks, 1 handball, 5 marks
Barry Richardson: 9 kicks, 0 handballs, 6 marks
John Ronaldson: 8 kicks, 1 handball, 3 marks
Geoff Strang: 11 kicks, 3 handballs, 6 marks
Ray Ball: 11 kicks, 4 handballs, 4 marks
Des McKenzie (off): 4 kicks, 1 handball, 0 marks
Francis Bourke: 9 kicks, 5 handballs, 4 marks
Bill Barrot: 24 kicks, 2 handballs, 9 marks
Derek Peardon: 12 kicks, 4 handballs, 4 marks
John Northey (off): 7 kicks, 5 handballs, 0 marks
Dick Clay: 14 kicks, 3 handballs, 8 marks
Roger Dean: 18 kicks, 3 handballs, 7 marks
Mike Patterson: 20 kicks, 5 handballs, 8 marks
Rex Hunt: 11 kicks, 1 handball, 7 marks
Billy Brown: 10 kicks, 3 handballs, 4 marks
Mike Green: 15 kicks, 2 handballs, 13 marks
Mike Bowden: 11 kicks, 10 handballs, 9 marks
No. 29 – Kevin Bartlett: 36 kicks, 3 handballs, 7 marks
No. 44 – Graeme Bond (19th man on 4th quarter): 1 kick, 1 handball, 0 marks
No. 34 – Ron Thomas (20th man on, 4th quarter): 3 kicks, 1 handball, 0 marks
