To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Tigers’ 1969 premiership, richmondfc.com.au is regularly 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 a preview of Richmond’s prospects for the ‘69 season, which appeared in the popular “Footy Week” publication, written by Mike Donnelly, under the heading: “Tigers will make amends for 1968”. 

“Richmond have recovered from their disappointment.

After winning their first premiership for 23 years the Tigers finished outside the Four last year.  But that’s history.  Their prospects for 1969 are good.

The only regular player of last season they may not have this year is Royce Hart, who has been called up for National Service.

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Carl Ditterich was lucky.  He was in National Service last season, but still able to play.  So were Stan Alves, Kevin Shinners, John Perry, Wayne Closter and John Scarlett.  Perhaps Royce will be lucky too.

But even if he’s not Richmond should be able to cover his loss by playing Pat Guinane at full-forward and Rex Hunt at centre half-forward or vice versa.

Injuries and loss of form by key players were the cause of Richmond’s failure last season.

Bill Barrot’s failure to throw off his injury was a severe blow to the Tigers.  It will mean a lot to Richmond if he proves 100 per cent this year.

The Tigers have talent for every line.

For attacking players they have Guinane, Hunt, John Northey and Eric Moore; also Wayne Judd and Terry Phillips from the Reserves.

For the centre line there is Barrot, Francis Bourke, Dick Clay, Russell Tully and Derek Peardon.

Ed Murphy, Des McKenzie, Graham Burgin, Geoff Strang, Pat Curran and Mike Perry will ensure that Richmond have a strong first row of defenders.

Barry Richardson did well at full-back last season.  This year he will have a rival for that position in West Australian Colin Beard.

Kevin Sheedy seems certain to play in a back pocket and this will release Roger Dean for the attack.  Dean plays well as a half-forward, centreman or back pocket defender.

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For the ruck Richmond have Mike Patterson, John Ronaldson, George McInnes, Mike Bowden, Mike Green and Tony Jewell.

Kevin Bartlett and Billy Brown shone as rovers last season, but they will have to be as good this year because Graeme Bond and Kevin Smythe are waiting on the doorstep.

According to reports the Tigers have a good batch of recruits for this season.  Recruits will find it hard to break into Richmond’s side.

Richmond have so many talented players left over from last year.  If they can keep an established side together this season they will be hard to toss.”