This time 50 years ago, Richmond was preparing for its first season under new coach Tommy Hafey. We’ve delved into the archives of ‘The Age’ newspaper to relive some of the Club’s exciting build-up to the 1966 season with Hafey at the helm. Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll bring you snippets of interesting information about the Tigers’ lead-in to what proved to be a pivotal season in their revival as a league football force. We start today with a review in The Age of Richmond’s first intra-club practice match of the ’66 pre-season, and follow up with a look at a clearance wrangle between the Tigers and Tasmanian club Clarence, which involved a talented teenage key forward by the name of Royce Hart . . .
From The Age, March 21, 1966 . . .
“Richmond should not be short of a centre half-back this season, if form in yesterday’s first practice match at the Old Scotch Oval counts for anything.
With regular centre half-back Kevin Smith on the sidelines, follower Mike Hammond and defender Mike Perry were given a chance in the position on opposing sides.
They were the best players afield.
Hammond beat Xavier recruit Michael Green, and later had an edge over Barry Richardson, who was switched from full-forward to centre half-forward.
Green, 17, 6ft 4in and 14st 7lb, should be a better player when he gains more experience.
It was a good match for Richardson.
He took another step forward in his return to football following a serious knee injury last season. The young player proved the knee was strong enough to stand up to the strain of match play.
Perry had the unenviable task of minding burly Pat Guinane. He marked and kicked well, using plenty of vigor, and Guinane had to earn all his kicks.
John Perry, who received weekend leave from national service training at Bandiana, made a welcome appearance at the club.
Officials soon made room for Perry in the practice match sides, and opposed him to champion centreman Bill Barrot.
They played wide of each other, and both did well.
Selectors said afterwards they would be keen to play Perry whenever he got leave.
Rover Peter Hogan was always in the thick of play. However, he spoilt an otherwise faultless display with shocking inaccuracy in front of goal, finishing with 2.8.
Other players to show out were followers Neville Crowe, John Ronaldson and Mike Patterson, full-forward Tony Jewell (four goals), rover Barry Teague and back pocket Neil Busse.
Wingman Billy Brown was replaced in the third quarter because of a bruised shoulder, but he should be able to train this week.”
From The Age, March 24, 1966 . . .
“Richmond will not clear John Chivers back to Clarence (Tasmania) until it gains a clearance from Clarence for centre half-forward Royce Hart.
Chivers joined the Tigers last year, but was not quite up to a permanent place in the senior side and managed only one senior game and one as a reserve.
Hart, 17, 6ft 2in, in last season won Tasmania’s under-19s best and fairest award.
Richmond secretary Graeme Richmond said Hart had big potential and expected him to develop quickly.”
