It is 53 years ago today that Richmond stamped itself as a legitimate contender for the 1967 premiership with a brilliant performance which stunned the highly-fancied Geelong side.
This was a litmus test for the Tommy Hafey-coached Tigers – and they passed it in the most emphatic, sensational style imaginable!
Richmond entered the Round 7 match at the MCG on Saturday, May 27, having lost just one game to that stage of the season, while the Cats were unbeaten.
The hype surrounding this clash was huge, and it lived up to all expectations throughout a thrilling first half with the teams locked together on the same score at the half-time break (8.5 apiece).
But it’s what subsequently transpired throughout the opening part of the third quarter that sent the league football world into a spin – and Tiger fans into raptures.
Before the time clock had reached the 15-minute mark of the term popularly described as the “premiership quarter”, Richmond had slammed on seven goals to nil in a breathtaking burst of football that took the game way out of Geelong’s reach.
When the three-quarter time siren sounded, the Tigers were 43 points ahead, and they went on to record a 38-point win that significantly strengthened their claims to the ’67 premiership.
Post-game, Richmond president Ray Dunn, who had been involved with the Club since the 1930s, described that scintillating third quarter as the best football he’d ever seen from a Tigers’ team.
Here’s what leading football journalist for ‘The Age’ newspaper at the time, Greg Hobbs, wrote about the dazzling display by Richmond on that last Saturday in May 1967 . . .
“If Richmond’s players had wanted to climb Mt Everest on Saturday there would have been no stopping them. They had one of those days when nothing was impossible for them.
Richmond’s effort in completely demoralising Geelong in the third term at the MCG was the best quarter of football I have seen.
It was the type of football you expect to see only once or twice in a lifetime – and on Saturday it came against a side previously unbeaten this year.
Six goals came in 12 minutes, and a minute or so later the seventh was posted.
This effort early in the third quarter by Richmond turned a neck and neck struggle into a one-horse race.
It was hard to believe than when the side started the third quarter the scores were 8.5 each, yet 15 minutes later Richmond led by 37 points.
Richmond coach Tom Hafey, who does not throw praise about loosely, says he has never seen his side perform so well . . .
Half an hour after the match ended the Richmond rooms were still full of supporters, who contributed $135 for the players.
At half-time, anyone trying to pick the winner was guessing.
There was no difference on the scoreboard, and this was a good indication of the play.
If anything, Geelong had been more impressive. Certainly, when it got its handball and stab kicking around the flanks into operation, Richmond always seemed to be a man short.
Doug Wade had four goals to half-time, Polly Farmer was having a great day and rover Bill Goggin was not missing a trick.
Yet in light of all this, Richmond came out after the interval and stunned everyone.
The crowd could hardly believe it, and some of the Richmond players admitted later that nothing could go wrong.
It got to the stage that if a Richmond player misjudged the ball he somehow overcame his mistake, finished up getting the ball, and usually found a man with a sizzling pass . . .
The Cats were running around in circles while Richmond, with all the hallmarks of a final four side, took over.
Two youngsters largely responsible for Richmond’s sudden success were centre half-forward Barry Richardson and full-forward Royce Hart.
Richardson had been an ordinary player to half-time, but in the last half his great marking left his experienced opponent, State defender Peter Walker, floundering.
Hart also took many sensational marks, and when he learns how to kick straight he will be even more effective.
He kicked four goals – it could have been eight . . .
It is hard to pinpoint exactly why Richmond raced away after half-time with such ridiculous ease.
Probably it is most easily explained by saying that every player struck a purple patch.
At some stages it seemed that Richmond had about 30 players on the field to Geelong Geelong’s 10.”
Doug Mason, writing in ‘Footy Week’ newspaper, was equally enthralled by what he saw from the Richmond side that day . . .
“A devastating 8-goal burst in the third quarter by the Tigers completely crushed the previously unbeaten Cats.
In the first half it was anyone’s game. Both teams gave an exhibition of good, fast, open football, with no hint of what was to follow.
The Tigers, playing powerhouse, premiership football, seemed to have loose men everywhere. Their teamwork and backing up had to be seen to be believed. The forward line opened up and began to function.
Barry Richardson and Royce Hart really got on top. Between them and big Mike Patterson they cut the Geelong defence to ribbons.
What a tremendous player Royce Hart will be with a little more experience.
Already he is an amazing mark. When he gets full value from his kicking he could be another Coleman.
The Cats had no answer to Mike Patterson and Nev. Crowe in the forward pocket.
Highlight of the game came just on the half-time siren.
Patterson rose high above the pack and pulled down a “screamer” right in front and goaled to level the scores . . .
Tom Hafey made a winning move in switching young (Francis) Bourke on to (Wayne) Closter.
The Cat winger had outpointed Bill Barrot, but the Tiger cub took Closter right out of the game.
Mike Perry was the Tigers’ best player. He gave a tremendous exhibition at centre half-back and completely outclassed Bill Ryan. He was the springboard of many Richmond attacks.
After a fairly even tussle with Dennis Marshall in the first half Kevin Sheedy took control of the centre.
His creative play and quick thinking were one of the reasons for the Tigers’ great display. He is still not getting full value from his kicking . . .”
Four months later, Richmond and Geelong met in the ’67 Grand Final, with the Tigers emerging victorious by nine points following a classic contest.
Round 7, 1967 match details
Richmond 4.3 8.5 16.8 18.11 (119)
Geelong 4.4 8.5 9.7 12.9 (81)
Goals – Richmond: Hart 4, Patterson 4, Crowe 2, Northey 2, B. Richardson 2, Barrot, Bartlett, A. Richardson, Sheedy.
Leading possession-winners – Richmond: Sheedy 24, Clay 23, Bartlett 22, M. Perry 22, A. Richardson 19.
Best: Patterson (best-on-ground), M. Perry, B. Richardson, Hart, Clay, Swift, Crowe, A. Richardson.
