Leading Herald Sun sports journalist Jon Anderson caught up with 16 of the 18 living members of Richmond’s last premiership team, in 1980, plus coach Tony Jewell, to get their thoughts on the September prospects of the 2017 Tigers. Here is what the grand ‘Tigers of old’ had to say . . .
Kevin Bartlett
“The Tigers are playing for each other, like the Bulldogs last year. It’s been such a revelation since last year when they were insipid. An extraordinary turnaround.”
Francis Bourke
“After last year had you told me we were going to finish third I wouldn’t have believed you. We can win these games. Just focus on the process and not the results.”
David Cloke
“They play a good style of football, obviously with a very different style of forward line than we had. It will be interesting to see how that smaller forward line holds up.”
Emmett Dunne
“All praise to ‘Dimma’ (Damien Hardwick), Peggy (O’Neal) and everyone at the Club. The Ernst and Young review was extremely beneficial. Dimma, to his great credit, took it on board. But the real job is still ahead.”
Daryl Freame
“I saw the Freo game, and if they put the same pressure on Geelong, they will be in the game. Their tackling is very impressive.”
Jim Jess
“They look okay and have had a ripping year. I saw the Hawthorn game and it really surprised me. They used the ball so well. Maybe they lack another tall forward.”
Mervyn Keane
“They can seriously win it. They are on a roll and when that happens, at this time of the year, big things can happen.”
Mick Malthouse
“I like what I have seen of them. Of all the sides, I think Sydney is the most complete, but there’s no reason Richmond can’t beat the rest.”
Bruce Monteath (captain)
“I watch them as much as I can. There is such obvious self-belief and they run in the knowledge the ball won’t be spilt.”
Stephen Mount
“We have the small forwards, we have the passion from our supporters. We have a chance.”
Geoff Raines
“I like their game plan, pressure, locking the ball in, spreading and running. I’m just not sure about the lack of a second tall forward.”
Michael Roach
“I’ve been very impressed with the game style, moving the ball quickly. Jack Riewoldt has been fantastic. He would have kicked 100 in my era.”
Barry Rowlings
“I love watching them play, their running game. I believe their foot skills have improved enormously and in a very even year why wouldn’t we have a chance?”
Dale Weightman
“The footy they are playing means they will be in most games. I love watching the ball movement.”
Robert Wiley
“I saw them beat Fremantle in Perth. This is a year where a number of sides have a genuine chance and the Tigers have pace.”
Bryan Wood
“The game style is different than the previous five years. It’s not rocket science . . . they aren’t over-possessing the ball. The players fully understand anything is achievable.”
Tony Jewell (coach)
“For the first time, we are playing a brand that can win premierships. Getting Geelong at the MCG means the planets have aligned.”
