Richmond made the trek out to Victoria Park for a crucial June 1940 clash with Collingwood. Tony Greenberg propels the ‘Tiger Time Machine’ back to that match 80 years ago . . .

There was plenty on the line when traditional foes Richmond and Collingwood squared off at Victoria Park in Round 8 of the 1940 season.

The Tigers, who had finished fourth the previous year, were second on the league ladder with five wins and two losses while Collingwood, runner-up in 1939, was fourth with four wins, three losses.

It proved to be an absorbing contest, with Richmond seizing the early advantage and taking a commanding 37-point lead into the half-time break, only to be forced on to the back foot in the second half, as the home side mounted a stirring comeback to get within a goal.

But the Tigers, with their stout defence standing firm, were able to steady and go on to secure a crucial victory by 26 points – 10.15 (75) to 6.13 (49).

Here is former Melbourne champion player Ivor Warne-Smith’s match report for ‘The Argus’ newspaper . . .

“Richmond and Collingwood in one of those hard fighting games for which they are famous, played magnificently against each other and the difficulties created by strong, swirling winds. Richmond won after a great rally by Collingwood.

So great was Richmond’s superiority in the first half that it did not seem possible for Collingwood to make a tense and exciting struggle of the match. Yet Collingwood, in a typical revival where determination, team work and the “play-for-Collingwood” spirit predominated, got to grips in the third quarter and challenged so strongly in the last that it was only three points behind at one stage.

This grand effort against great odds weakened it, and toward the end Richmond, with its better all round ability, forged ahead again to win.

In Richmond’s splendid first half there was one surprising feature. On such a windy day, where crowded football was inevitable, it was expected that Collingwood’s cleverness around the pack, its pace, and its deft short passing game, would seriously handicap Richmond’s stronger and more straight-ahead play. This did not happen and it was Richmond which showed the greater dash and the cleverer ground work in opening up the game.

Apart from that Collingwood was hopelessly behind in the rucks, because of the marking and general play of Symons, Bentley and Scott. Its usually brilliant rovers Fothergill and Pannam were pinned down to only occasional running moves and Collingwood was well held across the centre.

The back men lacked confidence and co-operation against the brilliant leads of Titus and other forwards and in its own attack Collingwood was almost pitiful, attempts to score breaking down against the strength of Dyer, the safety of O’Neill in the back pocket, and reckless dash of Smeaton from goals.

Collingwood began the third quarter as if it held every winning card. Brilliant scouting by Fothergill, fine marking by Knight following, better form by Dowling on the wing, and with its drive through short passing turning the game, Richmond’s morale and confidence became badly shaken.

Dashing defence by Dyer held Collingwood for a time and then Regan came to centre half-forward in an endeavour to strengthen the attack.

Collingwood hurled itself more furiously at Richmond’s defence, and the crowd rocked and roared with excitement as Richmond’s back men strenuously and brilliantly turned the attacks.

Pannam missed with a flying shot, but made no mistake with his next, and Collingwood was only three points down.

Then Crane soared above the pack at half-forward and Bentley marked his kick right in front and Richmond was well ahead again and gradually recovering its poise.

O’Neill has never been safer or more brilliant in defence, Smeaton played wonderfully in goal and Symons was the best follower of the match. Titus, Dyer, Crane, Bentley, Martin, McDonald and Smith were the best of the others.

For Collingwood Fothergill, quite early, played magnificently in the second half. Whelan made a good goal-keeper, but his dominance was much missed from the centre. Ross, Knight and N. Campbell and Dowling played well.”

Match details

Richmond         3.4       7.7       7.8       10.15 (75)
Collingwood     1.3       1.6       4.10     6.13 (49)

Goals – Richmond: Titus 5, Bentley 3, Crane, Symons.
Goals – Collingwood: Fothergill 4, Knight, Pannam.