We continue our special series reliving Richmond’s pre-season build-up to the glorious, drought-breaking 1967 premiership triumph. From the archives of ‘The Age’ newspaper, we present a Tigers’ practice match report by leading football writer of the day, Ron Carter, published exactly 50 years ago today (March 20, 1967).

“’Hey mate, what’s your name?’ Richmond supporters shouted to a ‘mystery’ player in yesterday’s practice match.

There was no reply from the player, however, who concentrated on his game on the wing and was the best player afield.

The wingman wore No. 23 in the red team, but there was no such number on the programme.

Because of a printer’s error, the player, 21-year-old Phil Rhoden from University Blues, was shown as No. 3.

Most supporters left the ground not knowing the name of the new wingman.

Rhoden trained with Richmond last year, but did not play in the practice games because of an ankle injury.

Yesterday’s game produced good, entertaining football with many fiery clashes.

In the second quarter Prahran recruit Kevin Sheedy clashed with both Bill Barrot and Wayne Walsh, and later Tony Jewell was involved in incidents with Mike Perry and Kevin Bartlett.

Reserves’ player George McInnes is a much-improved player in the ruck and Pat Guinane at centre half-forward marked well.”