The rousing roar of a Richmond crowd, when the Tigers are on a roll, has a unique team-lifting quality to it, while, at the same time, striking fear into the hearts and minds of opposition teams.
This is a factor not lost on Richmond’s coach Damien Hardwick and the Tiger players . . .
“The over-riding factor is you can certainly hear the Richmond crowd when they get up and going,” Hardwick said.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to have been at some very good football clubs and I don’t think I’ve quite heard anything like it . . .
“The Tiger faithful, when they get up and running, they’re such a passionate bunch and there’s no doubt when we’re kicking towards the cheer squad in the final quarter of most games, it’s an enormous benefit, especially when we get our tails up and in front.”
Dual Jack Dyer Medallist, Brett Deledio, concurred with Hardwick.
“They’re certainly very loud, our supporters, and they keep turning up every week, win, lose or draw. So, we can’t fault them in that regard,” he said.
And, star spearhead, Jack Riewoldt, who wears his heart on his sleeve, cited the inspiration provided by the Tiger Army . . .
“There’s nothing like the Yellow and Black faithful. They’re the best fans in the league by far,” Riewoldt said.
“Just the way the Tigers roar . . . it really gives you a sense of belonging to this football club.”
