We continue our special series reflecting on Richmond’s 1966 pre-season, leading into the great Tommy Hafey’s debut season as the Tigers’ coach, courtesy of ‘The Age’ newspaper archives . . .
From ‘The Age’, April 13, 1966 . . .
“Richmond coach Tom Hafey will give former full-back Fred Swift intensive goalkicking practice over the next two weeks.
Swift seems certain to be the spearhead against Carlton (in Round 1), but his inaccuracy was revealed last Sunday at Wangaratta (against a combined Ovens and Murray League team) when he scored only five goals from 15 shots.”
From ‘The Age’, April 18, 1966 . . .
“Richmond officials are hoping the result of yesterday’s practice match is not a bad omen for next Monday’s (Round 1) game against Carlton.
Yesterday, at the Punt Road ground, “Carlton” defeated Richmond by a point.
That is, a team of Richmond players wearing Carlton Guernseys defeated a team wearing Richmond jumpers.
It was quite a shock for officials, as the Richmond side contained more players who are likely to play in the opening game.
Three players – follower Mike Hammond, wingman Bill Brown and defender Owen Madigan – boosted their chances for the first game.
A week ago their chances of senior selection for next Monday looked slim, but yesterday they confused things with dashing performances.
Ross Warner played soundly at centre half-back and is almost certain to line up in this position against Carlton.
Bill Barrot dominated the centre. He was too experienced for Coleraine recruit Eric Moore.
Other players under notice were Alan Richardson, Neville Crowe, Xavier College ruckman Michael Green and Francis Bourke, a half-forward from Nathalia.”
