Richmond AFL Football Club
Even though there was motley of junior teams playing in the Richmond area since early 1860’s, a senior Richmond Football Club was formed in 1885 at a ceremony in the Royal Hotel, Richmond. Soon after its formation, the club became a member of Victorian Football Association which was Australia’s premier football competition of the times. The first few since its formation were evidently bland and even though the team had good players, a lot of its talent was being drained away there was much instability in the club.
With nothing much happening on the play field as WW I raged, it was only in 1919 that the club gained some visibility as it made its way into the first Grand Final against Collingwood, which it lost though. The 1920’s saw a regular rivalry between Carlton and Richmond. And, even though the Club made several appearances in the Grand Final during the decade, all its attempts to lay the hands on premiership title ended in frustration. In fact it only earned the distinction of being the only club to have lost three consecutive Grand Finals, and all against Collingwood. The Richmond Tigers finally avenged their defeat with premiership wins in 1932 and 1934. In the post World War II era Richmond Football Club tried its best to amass the laurels but could not succeed until the beginning of what came to be popularly known as the Hafey Era.
Tom Hafey was a very famous Australian Rules football player and also a coach in the Victorian Football League. Under him the Richmond Football Club won premiership titles. Their 1967 win came after 24 year long wait and was followed by 1969 victory in which it defeated Carlton by 25 points. By early 1970’s the club had become a hot favorite amongst the masses, and its popularity reached highest ever, when it defeated Carlton following an intense clash in 1973. And, with back to back premiership title next year in 1974, after humbling North Melbourne, Richmond Tigers couldn’t have asked for anything better. Richmond won its last premiership in the year 1980 against Collingwood and even though it made to the Grand Finals in 1982, they could not lift the prized trophy.
Following a decade of spectacular performance, and with a number of premierships titles underneath their belt, Richmond was headed for a rocky road ahead. Changes in the rules and regulations of a modernized Australian Football League toppled the clubs’ fortune. The 1980’s premiership success came at a result of highly expensive recruiting. Now with the new rules in place, which capped the salary and draft, the old players who brought the 1980’s laurels to the club, chose to bud good bye following a round of severe cut backs. The club lost several winning opportunities as it kept it self occupied in recruiting war which continued for nearly two decades. With average play on the field and many more missed opportunities in store, even today the club is trying to build a promising future with a new coach and better listings.