In 2012, Richmond was ranked fourth membership-wise of the 18 AFL clubs, with 53,027 members, behind only the West Coast Eagles on 57,377, Hawthorn 60,841 and Collingwood 72,688.
Weightman, however, believes it will take only a bit of sustained success, to catapult the Tigers to the top of the membership charts.
And, the man, who played 274 games for Richmond, in a magnificent career from 1978-93, is well-qualified to voice that opinion.
These days, the 1980 premiership hero, dual Jack Dyer Medallist, former Club captain, Richmond Team of the Century member, and Hall of Fame inductee, oversees the Tigers’ interstate supporter groups.
As a result, he has a good understanding and appreciation of the Club’s strong support base.
“We’ve got support out there, all around Australia,” he said on this week’s “Talking Tigers” off-season special show.
“There’s no doubt that the supporter groups now generate a lot of members.
“All the groups that I look after, we’re turning supporters into members and, also, they’re raising a bit of ‘dough’ for the Club.
“They get together, get to the games, they have great functions, and they’re very passionate.
“If we get in (to the finals), and I know it’s going to happen, but if we become successful over a period of time, where we are playing finals consistently, don’t worry about Collingwood having 75,000 (members), we’ll blow them apart!
“They’re out there . . . I know, I’ve seen them all. They’re out there and we’re on the right track . . . we’ve got them everywhere.”
