RFC - FORTY YEARS AGO, 1967

[pahoffm]

Excellent effort Growl.

Just noticed your great work.

Now I know what you meant about ruining the ending. Sorry!

Keep it up. I'm now an avid reader.

 

[Growl]

I made that comment tongue in cheek, Phantom. :fing32

 

[Growl]

Richmond Final List, 1967​

OLD: W. Barrot, K. Bartlett, W. Brown, G. Burgin, N. Busse, R. Clay, N. Crowe, D. Davenport, R. Dean, F. Dimattina, M. Erwin, M. Green, P. Guinane, P. Hogan, A. Jewell, E. Moore, G. McInnes, J. Northey, R. Orchard, M. Patterson, J. Perry, M. Perry, A. Richardson, B. Richardson, J. Ronaldson, G. Strang, F. Swift, B. Teague, W. Walsh, R. Warner.


NEW: M. Bowden (St Kevin’s), R. Hart (Reserves), K. Shinners (Reserves).

TO BE ADDED WHEN CLEARED: F. Bourke (Nathalia), K. Sheedy (Prahran), K. Smythe (Merbein).

TO BE CONSIDERED WHEN FIT: B. Campbell, K. Donaldson (Surrey Hills), T. Gowers, W. Walford.

PROBATIONARY LIST: D. Beale, J. Evans, J. McKenzie, P. Rhoden.

SUPPLEMENTARY: G. Bond, P. Bromley, M. Burns, J. Garland, G. Cliff, P. Cooke, D. Cranage, D. Cumming, D. Drosher, R. Harwood, R. Hunt, D. Jacks, J. Leishman, J. Milne, I. McKinlay, G. Salmon, G. Shallard, B. Shinners, R. Tully, D. White.

OFF: M. Bastian (Sth Melbourne), B. Cameron (Burwood), W. Dickeson (Prahran), G. Gahan (Scottsdale), M. Hammond, O. Madigan, P. McLaren (Prahran), J. Sheahan (Red Cliffs), K. Smith.

 

[Growl]

Erwin did well — as a defender​

Mick Erwin, who gave Richmond a good season at full-forward in 1965, may be at the other end of the ground this season.

On Saturday, in a fairly high standard practice match, Erwin showed he had regained marking confidence in a tryout at full-back — one of the positions he held at Collingwood before crossing to the Tigers.

Erwin kicked 33 goals in 11 games with Richmond before breaking down with knee cartilage trouble. He had an apparently successful operation, but it was not until Saturday that he showed some of his old sureness in marking.

Uncertain kicking may still cause Richmond selector to hesitate about giving him the full-back job for the opening game against Essendon’s Ted Fordham, but Erwin must be ranked high among the contenders for the position.

Picking the right men for full-back, full-forward and roving are the toughest tasks facing the Tigers. Royce Hart moved well but did not kick straight at full-forward on Saturday. He came off, dazed by a heavy fall after marking in the third quarter, but should be fit for training again tomorrow.

Neil Busse, who took his job of guarding Pat Guinane so seriously that there was a brief flare-up between them in the first quarter, also came off in the third term. He got a bump on the head after he fell in a pack, but Guinane was not responsible.

George McInnes, who played all last season with the Reserves, showed signs that he might move up to senior ranks as a ruckman. McInnes is very strong and he took some splendid marks in packs on Saturday.

 

[Growl]

Milk and sugar?

RICHMOND vice-captain Paddy Guinane may have started a new fashion in half-time relaxation.

On Saturday as other players were lying on rubbing down tables trying to recuperate for the next half, Paddy was sipping a cup of tea.

It was served to him by committeeman and former player Les Flintoff, who got it from the nearby committee room.

Paddy’s only worry now is whether he will be able to get a “cuppa” at “away” grounds during the season.

 

[Growl]

PRAHRAN CLEARS SHEEDY
By Marc Fiddian​

Prahran last night cleared centreman Kevin Sheedy to Richmond, but before he can play with the Tigers he will have to overcome the VFA $3,000 transfer fee.

The decision was made after Prahran received a deputation from Richmond.

Vice-President Mr Jack Morgans, said Prahran had released Sheedy in view of his service to the club. Sheedy had played 49 games.

Nineteen-year-old Sheedy has been impressive in Richmond’s practice and is certain to be in the opening match against Essendon.

Last Friday night the VFA dropped a bombshell by stating that no players would be cleared to VFL clubs or interstate unless a transfer fee of a minimum $3,000 was paid.

Asked about the transfer fee, Mr Morgans said the subject was not discussed. “It’s up to the VFL to make the next move,” he said.

The VFL permit committee will discuss the VFA transfer decision tonight.

 

[Growl]

Specialist is dumbfounded
By BRIAN HANSEN.​

The army has called up Richmond’s No 1 ruck hope, John Ronaldson. Yet Ronaldson has been under constant specialist treatment for two years because he has FLAT FEET.

A specialist who has been treating him is dumbfounded by the call-up.

The specialist was recruiting medical officer for the British Army in World War II. He said that even in those desperate times Ronaldson would not have been considered.

For five years Richmond have been treating Ronaldson with kid gloves. He has tremendous ability, but has been a constant medical worry.

His training has been very restricted because of the danger of a permanent breakdown. Specialists fear that strenuous military training would cause a breakdown.

They say that his flat feet have been brought about by early poor posture — because of his height of 6ft. 6in. This in turn resulted round shoulders and a hollow back.

They stressed that organically and mentally he is a s sound as a bell — and if taken along carefully his disabilities should never affect him.

Richmond officials are sure that Ronaldson already would be a star ruckman if he had been able to train at full pressure.

It seems extraordinary that he could advance so far through army procedure as to be at the final stages of call-up, particularly as one specialist said that a glance should have been enough to show he was not medically capable of military service.

Richmond have spent a fortune on Ronaldson and they fear he will never be physically capable of returning their investment on the football field.

He has one last chance of a reprieve when he faces a special panel of army medical officers. Richmond hope that his football record will not prejudice the panel against declaring him medically unfit.

 

[Growl]

HART PUTS IN STRONG CHALLENGE​

Young spearhead, Royce Hart, left no doubts about his qualifications to fill Richmond’s full-forward post with another dazzling display in Saturday’s final practice match.

And he almost certainly ruined Ross Warner’s hopes of taking over the full-back post.

Hart showed great pace to the ball, marked spectacularly and kicked with deadly accuracy to finish with 7.1.

It was a great follow-up to his 9.2 against a combined Goulburn Valley side last week.

Mick Erwin, who came to Richmond as a full-forward, turned in a steady effort at full-back, and could start the season next week in that position.

Another outstanding goal-kicking display came from elusive hlf-forward John Northey

Although matched against a strong defender in Geoff Strang, Northey repeatedly broke free and kicked six goals..

Selectors experimented by matching centreman, Bill Barrot, and half-forward, *smile* Clay, on a wing. The contest was inconclusive as both men played wide of each other to win kicks.

[below: High-leaping Tiger Royce Hart leap-frogs over 6ft. 4in. Richmond ruckman Michael Patterson at training last evening. Hart, 19, 6ft. 1in. and 13½stone, was conspicuous in the Reserves finals last year for his high marking. He kicked the winning goal in the Grand Final after a brilliant mark. Picture by Bob Buchanan.]

 

[Growl]

Sheedy — a “token gesture”
By KEVIN HOGAN​

Prahran last night agreed to clear star centre player Kevin Sheedy to Richmond. But Richmond secretary, Mr Graeme Richmond, said later: “I am afraid it is only a token gesture.”

He said: “All clearances to League clubs have to go to a special sub-committee of the VFA, and it doesn’t look as if Sheedy will have a chance of a transfer.

“His chance of playing in the League may depend on what the VFL is prepared to do to put an end to the effronts being offered by the VFA.”

Mr Richmond said Richmond had held up clearance applications for senior defender Wilf Dickeson and Under 19s player Doug Farquarson, who have been signed by Prahran.

 

[Growl]

He’s at it again!​

Big Pat Guinane jumps above the pack [pictured] with a determined look on his face.

He was trying to prevent players from taking a mark during a practice match at Richmond.

He captained one of the sides during the practice and is expected to be one of the contenders for the captaincy when it is discussed by the club tomorrow week.

Also in the picture is full-back Mick Erwin (No. 13) who is trying to take a mark. Mick, who had a knee cartilage operation last season, is trying to regain his form.

 

[Growl]

Move for Big Pat?​

Big Pat Guinane’s days as a pocket forward with Richmond may have ended.
Leading one of the teams, he was at centre half-forward in a bright and fairly high-standard practice match played at the Richmond City Reserve. Centre half-forward has always been Guinane’s favourite position — and he may hold it this season except for an occasional turn in the ruck. [below: Guinane soars in a game against Hawthorn]



Alan (Bull) Richardson led the opposing team and played strongly.

Fred Swift, former regular full-back, kicked five goals at full-forward although under pressure from Daryl Beale, 18, 6.2, 14.0, who has good prospects of stepping up from the Under-19 team. Swift led out and kicked beautifully in the manner that gave him success at full-forward early last season, before he was forced out by a knee injury. *

Guinane’s old job of “lurking” in a forward pocket was given to lanky former captain Neville Crowe.

Mick Erwin was at full-forward in the other team. It seems the Tiger’s key forward jobs will be filled from this bunch of experienced men.

Michael Bowden, 18, 6.0, 14.0, half-back from St Kevin’s College, and John McKenzie, 19, 6.5, 14.0, ruckman who captained the Under-19s last season, were youngsters who might step up.

Rover Kevin Bartlett has gained half an inch in height and about 6lb. in weight since last season. He roved strongly but was inaccurate near goal, kicking 1.5.

Frank Dimattina showed form and should hold the first rover’s job.

Half-back Geoff Strang limped off in the first quarter. He has a bruised heel which may stop him for two weeks.

* Swift injured his knee in the 4th round of 1966 against Collingwood. He did not play again until being chosen in the Reserve’s team for Round 14. Unfortunately, he broke a bone in his hand and was out until the last round when he kicked 5 goals for the Senior’s in his 126th game for the Tigers. At that stage he was considering taken a coaching position in the country, but elected to play on saying getting the 10 years up with Richmond was more important to him than money.

 

[Growl]

TIGERS PICK FRED SWIFT
By Ron Carter​

Richmond’s jack-of-all-trades, 28-year-old Fred Swift, will be the Tiger’s new captain this year.

The appointment was made at a Richmond committee meeting last night.

Big centre half-forward Pat Guinane, will be vice-captain and Roger Dean deputy vice-captain.

It is understood that Swift was recommended as captain by the Richmond selection committee. He has been vice-captain for the past two years.

Swift will take over the captaincy from ruckman Neville Crowe, who stepped down from the position last season.

In his nine years with Richmond Swift has played in many positions, but was mostly at full-back until last year.

He then became full-forward, but injuries kept him out for most of the year. He played in only the first four games and the last match.

This year Swift is expected to start the season in the opening round match against Essendon as a half-forward flanker.

He has played 126 games with the Tigers.

The committee stuck to experienced players when naming Guinane as vice-captain and Dean deputy vice-captain.

Guinane, 26, is in his tenth year with the club and has played 118 games, and Dean, 27, has been with Richmond for 11 years and has played 120 games.

Full forward Royce Hart, who is expected to be the spearhead for the first match, played in a practice match last night despite a slightly jarred ankle.

Rover Kevin Bartlett made a welcome return to form in the match and kicked five goals.

Another rover, Frank Dimattina, also played well.

Others to show out were full-back Mick Erwin, and wingman John Perry.

Centreman Bill Barrot, who has been out for two weeks with a mouth infection, returned to match play.

 

[Growl]

TIGER FORWARD IN ANOTHER BIG TEST​

Richmond selectors devised another tough test for prospective opening match full-forward Royce Hart last night — and the brilliant youngster again came through with flying colours.

The Tigers matched tough and seasoned skipper, Fred Swift, in a full-scale practice game.

Hart showed his class by booting six goals.

Four top players — Neville Crowe (bruised ankle), Alan Richardson (bruised shoulder), John Perry (bruised back) and Paddy Guinane (bruised knee) — were onlookers last night.

Crowe, Richardson and Perry will test their fitness in a training session at the MCG tonight. Guinane has been advised to rest for several days and will not begin his fitness bid until tomorrow night.

 

[Growl]

Hart has an omen​

Full-forward Royce Hart, who is expected to be in Richmond’s team to meet Essendon on Saturday, is a footballer with an omen.

Hart, 19, 6.1, 13.4, used weights over the past two summers to build himself up from 11.0. “I was very light when I came to the Tigers from Clarence, Tasmania, two seasons ago,” he said.

If Hart can repeat his Tasmanian performances, Richmond will be happy. “In six years of club football, I have played in five finals series and been in four premiership sides,” Hart said.

“I have never missed playing in finals, so I am hoping Richmond makes the final four this year,” he said.

Hart does not anticipate an attack of nerves if he is in the Tiger’s line-up at the MCG on Saturday. “I have played before big crowds in finals, which will be a big help,” he said.

 

[Growl]

Round 1, Richmond v. Essendon
MCG 15/4/1967​

​

 

[Growl]

Sorry guys, I can't get the team selection in the previous post to come up any larger.

This is the Richmond team:

BACKS: Shinners, Erwin, Green.
HALF-BACKS: Burgin, M. Perry, Strang.
CENTRES: J. Perry, Barrot, Clay.
HALF-FORWARDS: Northey, Swift, Dean
FORWARDS: Ronaldson, Hart, Bartlett.
FOLLOWERS: Crowe, A. Richardson,.
ROVER: Dimattina
RESERVES (19, 20): Patterson, Moore

NEW: R. Hart (Reserves), K. Shinners (Reserves).

 

[Growl]

This new Tiger is a cool cat​

“Nervous? Not me,” said new Richmond full-forward Royce Hart last night. “I can’t wait to get on the ground.”

Hart, 19, 6.1, 13.4, will have his first League game against Essendon tomorrow. Here [pictured below] he packs his gear after last night’s training run. He was one of 22 new players chosen by League clubs last night.

Far from being jittery at the prospect, he does not even rate being selected as his greatest football thrill. “I was chosen in the All-Australia team after the 1961 schoolboys’ carnival in Hobart — I think that gave me a greater kick

“So did playing with Richmond last year when we won the Reserve’s flag.”

Hart, a trainee accountant with the Premier’s Department, came to Melbourne from Hobart 18 months ago. He played with Richmond Thirds most of last year, but was promoted to the Reserves for the grand final in which he kicked the winning goal.

“As long as we win tomorrow, I’ll be happy. After that we have a fairly easy draw and I reckon we can be on top after five matches,” he said.

​

 

[Hey Pesto!]

I wonder how he'll go.....

 

[Growl]

RIVALS FOR THE “4”​

Essendon, on the fringe of dropping out of the top four, and Richmond vigorously demanding a place there, will meet in the main opening League football match at the MCG tomorrow.

Both sides must win because they cannot afford to lose. Richmond knows this from last year when they suffered four defeats and played a draw and missed the finals. Essendon with only four defeats scraped in.

Essendon must win because the draw already has conspired against them — they play Richmond, St Kilda and Collingwood in their first three games which means they play them in return matches, too.

If the Dons win four of these six games they will be doing fine but, on Richmond’s experience last year, it gives them only a margin of two other games to drop this season. It means that from tomorrow until August 26, when they play Melbourne on the MCG in the last home and away game, Essendon will be living dangerously.

Essendon’s greater experience, their pace and their proven strength down the centre of the ground should give them the game. But it will not be easy.

Richmond will play it aggressively. They will tackle hard and come through vigorously. But the big MCG is one of Essendon’s favourite grounds and in Birt, Fraser and Clarke, Essendon have the players to open up Richmond’s defence and expose their lack of experience.

Full-forward Fordham will be a worry to Richmond. He is in fine ball-getting form although when I left the Essendon ground at half-time last week he had sprayed his kicks for two goals from 10 chances. But that does not mean Fordham will not be on the job tomorrow. And Richmond have a pessimistic theory that all wrong-footed full-forwards come good against them.

Fordham’s opponent will be Erwin who knows the full-forward job. He came to Richmond from Collingwood where he played full-back. Richmond turned him into a full-forward but his kicking was so unreliable that he is back in defence. Erwin is tough and strong and can be hard to get on with. So can Fordham, and with talented players like Birt, Noonan and Fraser in front of him he will not lack chances.

Shinners, flown down from Sydney by Richmond, will not lack match practice but he may lack condition to see out a full game. If he does, Birt, Shaw and Clarke will take full advantage of it. Shinners could not ask for a tougher trio in his first League game. Birt is clever and fast: Shaw can mark as well as anyone in the Essendon side and has tons of pace; Clarke was playing League football when Shinners was still attending State school.

Mike Perry is one of the coming centre half-backs and Noonan, who has to face up to second year jitters, will find kicks scarce. On the half-back flanks, Richmond are more hopeful than talented. Burgin and Strang meet new boys in Ellis, a lovely mover from the Reserves, and Thompson, a high flier from Alexandra.

The centre-line battles will be interesting. Fraser will beat Barrot in the air, even if Barrot is in form. Already Barrot has had a patchy season. He has been ill and then he struck unexpected and talented opposition from Sheedy of Prahran in the practice games.

Clay, who began at centre half-forward for Richmond last year, is on one wing; John Perry, a six-footer, is on the other. They will tower over Gosper and Egan who will have to rely on pace and cleverness for kicks. Height will not worry little Egan — I saw him win lots of kicks against 6ft. 1in. Meagher at Hawthorn last yea. And Meagher was in form because when he was switched on to Fraser in the centre he did well.

Richmond’s attack is so full of talent that if every player fires they will win. One half-forward flanker is Northey who can go unnoticed for three quarters, then win a match off his own boot in the last. But he must kick straighter this year. [pictured below]

​

Captain Fred Swift will kick goals from centre half-forward. He lacks Guinane’s strength but is a fine mark for his inches. Dean, on the other flank, is one of my favourite footballers. He has everything — skill, determination, fire, pace and he can mark.

Young Hart, playing his first game will test Brown. Brown is not a high flier; he is a spoiler. Hart is a spectacular mark and if he can reproduce his practice match form he will give League football a lift. Unlike many high fliers, Hart has not built his game solely on marking. He moves well, too.

I hope he makes it; he deserved to. He came from Tasmania, played for Richmond Thirds and has fought his way up.

Richmond should win in the ruck where they have Crowe, one of the most consistent big men; Richardson, adept at handball and teamwork, and Ronaldson and Green, two most promising well-over-six-footers.

McKenzie carries Essendon’s rucks. He has a tremendous spring for knock-outs and with Shaw as a ruck-rover and Birt roving will help to offset much of Richmond’s ruck advantage.

 

[Michael]

Great stuff Growler.

I love the reference to Northey, goes missing for 3/4ers