Five-time Richmond premiership hero and Club ‘Immortal’, Francis Bourke, is bullish about the Tigers’ prospects next season.

Bourke, who presented the award named in his honor to Alex Rance at last night’s Jack Dyer Medal function, told the huge Tiger throng in attendance that Richmond’s disappointing elimination final loss to North Melbourne shouldn’t detract too much from its overall achievements throughout the season.

“We had a good year in 2015,” Bourke said.

“I know that we get marked down a lot on what happened in the last game of the year, and that’s understandable and fair enough. 

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 “But, when we kicked all those goals in that first quarter against Freo (Round 10 at Doman Stadium), I reckon that was just unbelievably exciting.

 “It made the footy world sit up and take notice . . . The Tigers were a threat after all in beating the Dockers over there, on top of the fact that we kicked eight goals in the first quarter against what was a formidable defensive side. 

“And, of course, when we smashed the Hawks that made everyone really sit up, because that gave the Tigers a bit of an ominous-threat look about them. 

“I just thought that was unbelievably exciting, too.

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“These things get forgotten at times . . .

“So, even though we didn’t win that game at the MCG against North Melbourne, nevertheless, I think we’ve improved. 

“Credit to the players, and to the coaching staff, and to (CEO) Brendon (Gale), and all the other staff that makes the Richmond Football Club what they are. 

“I’m pretty optimistic about next year . . .

“This year we won 15 matches . . . So, there are reasons why we should be optimistic . . .

“I think it needs to be said.”

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Richmond Immortal Francis Bourke presents Alex Rance with the Francis Bourke Award at the Jack Dyer Medal (Photo: Greg Ford)