The golden Hafey era at Richmond is a constant source of inspiration for current Tigers coach Damien Hardwick.
“I didn’t grow up barracking for Richmond, but I knew of the Hafey legacy. The words ruthless and relentless come to mind with Tommy and his Tigers,” Hardwick told ‘Roar Vision’.
“It’s something we still speak to our boys about. It’s the era that I’d love to get out players back to.
“We had Tommy down a number of times and listened to him speak about the quality of individuals and the quality of team play within those Tiger teams . . .
“You take things from that era.
Richmond will pay tribute to Tommy Hafey at this Saturday’s match, pre-purchase your ticket to the match to join in the tribute.
“I remember when I first came to this footy club, being given the Club history book, and going straight to the Hafey years, and finding out the things that Tommy did and Tommy spoke about.
“It’s amazing those things still ring true today . . . the competitive nature of the players, the competitive and combative nature of Tommy, also, as a person. It’s something we try and bring to our footy club now.
“We’re not there yet, but it’s certainly left a DNA blueprint that we’re looking to implement going forward.”
Hardwick is inspired by how Hafey lived his life, too.
“Tommy was an incredible person, really. Probably the thing that struck me was he was always full of life,” Hardwick said.
“Once a year, he came to my kids’ school, at McKinnon Secondary College, and spoke to those guys, and you heard about the great stories.
“Funnily enough, we ended up doing the push-up circuit that Tommy recommended for the family at one stage.
“It’s an extraordinary influence that one person can have on the lives of others.
“That’s probably the one thing that I took most out of Tommy . . .
“You still hear stories to this day where Tommy would sit in a cafe all day and his (former) players would drop in.
“I think most AFL coaches would love it if they could get that relationship with their players.
“It comes about through your capacity to win, but, more importantly, it comes through with your character as a coach.
“That’s something Tommy has left not only me, but I think every AFL coach . . .”
