Several current Richmond players have spoken passionately about what Tommy Hafey meant to them, and the wonderful legacy he leaves at Tigerland.

Steven Morris, whose father Kevin played in Richmond’s back-to-back premiership sides of 1973-74, under Hafey’s astute coaching guidance, described the Tiger ‘Immortal’ as ‘an extremely passionate, caring, and just super person’.

“He was always wanting the best for me, personally, and for everyone around him,” Morris said.

“I’ve known Tommy since I was a little tacker.  I know that dad cherished him as a very, very close friend, but I also know that every single person who played under him would see him exactly that way.

“They love him . . . he was like a father figure to every one of them. 

“For dad to be able to play in a premiership under him here at Richmond Footy Club, I know he holds great memories of that.”

Morris recalled the inspirational talk Hafey gave to the Tigers’ young players a couple of years ago.

“He came in and spoke to our development group about how we could improve as a club.  He took us back to the glory days and shared his experiences of the success that he shared, and why he felt so passionately about our footy club,” Morris said.

“For the young kids who hadn’t had a hell of a lot to do with the Richmond Footy Club, it was a real eye-opening experience.

“He’s done so much for this footy club that we’ve got to be grateful for, and he’ll be remembered forever.”

Richmond captain Trent Cotchin was inspired by Hafey’s homespun philosophies.

“I loved the way he lived his life and loved the messages he gave, not just to young footballers, or Richmond players, but, in particular, the work he did with schools and what he encouraged in life,” Cotchin said.

“When you saw him, he’d ask how your family was going, he’d talk about where you grew up, what school you went to . . .

“He was just a genuinely interested person, and showed a lot of care for people.

“Every time I saw him, there was a real aura about him.

“It’s very humbling to have known him and had the opportunity to experience things with him . . .

“I just loved his positive attitude and the care he showed for people.

“Every time I met him, I felt better about myself, and that’s a really strong quality to have.

“The legacy he leaves is a really important one, and one that we’ll all drive into the future.”

The Tigers’ vice-captain Brett Deledio regarded Hafey as a ‘larger than life character’.

“Tommy was just unbelievably positive.  That was his outlook on life, and it certainly rubbed off on me,” Deledio said.

“It’s about always looking at the brighter side of life.  I look at it that you’re never too old to achieve anything, and Tommy certainly looked at it like that.

“He lived a pretty full life, so I can only hope to achieve what he did.”

Deledio revealed details of the visit he made with Trent Cotchin, coach Damien Hardwick, CEO Brendon Gale, and Club great Dale Weightman, to see Hafey in hospital just a few days before he passed away.

“It was great.  He knew all our names, and we were just talking with him about some of the old stories.

“He was coaching up my way (Kyabram) at Shepparton (in the mid-1960s) and won flags there, so I was having a few words and stories about that.

“You could see the smile come on his face . . .

“It was just great to be able to go in there and spend a bit of time with the great man, and it was something I’ll cherish.”

Key defender, Alex Rance, spoke of the growing pride he feels in wearing the No. 18 Richmond guernsey that Hafey did during his 67-game playing career with the Tigers from 1953-58.

“It’s meant more and more as my time’s gone on,” Rance said.

“When I first came to the Club I didn’t really know about Richmond, let alone Tommy Hafey himself.  But as I went to more of the Tommy Hafey Club functions, got to meet him, read a lot about him, and realised how much of a legend he was, of not just Richmond, but the game itself, it was pretty special to wear the jumper . . .

“Whenever I had chats with Tommy, he was always so positive, and trying to give his input to make the team better.  He was a very passionate man.

“I got to know him quite well through the Tommy Hafey Club sponsorship that we had.

“He was always just so nice, very positive, and he always seemed very interested in you.  He just really wanted to get to know you.

“He was a fantastic influence and a fantastic man that the Club is very sad to lose.”