Richmond’s commitment to stay the course and believe in its long-term strategy has already reaped dividends, according to Tigers’ president Peggy O’Neal.

Speaking at the Club’s president’s function before last Sunday’s game against Collingwood at the MCG, O’Neal said Richmond’s stability and unity had enabled it to make significant gains, on and off the field, in the last five years.

“No matter if you’re flying or failing on the field, we don’t make reactive decisions, based on the latest view in the media, or the vocal minority,” O’Neal said.

“Every part of our business looks at the facts, we ask hard questions, and collectively we find a way forward.

“I think that’s been critical to the narrative that’s been Richmond over the past five seasons, and these first six games.

“At the start of season 2010, the Club was in an extremely poor shape, on and off the field, to the point that some even wondered if we would even continue to exist.

“Membership was stagnant, corporate partnerships were difficult to attract, and we had a debt approaching $5 million that saw us play games in Cairns and Darwin.

“The Club’s facilities were embarrassing, and Punt Road Oval was in terrible shape.

“By Round 9, we hadn’t won a game.

“A collective commitment was made to turn this Club around, and that it would be done methodically.”

In the time since, the Tigers have refurbished their Punt Road headquarters, taken sole control of the facility, removed all debt, invested heavily in the football department, established its own VFL team, achieved record membership, and made back-to-back finals appearances.

“We’re not satisfied.  There’s much more to do,” O’Neal said.

“We’ve got enough right to ensure that the Club has a solid foundation upon which to build its future.

“That’s what only stable, united football clubs can do.

“Our resolve to build a highly-successful football team and a Club that we can be proud of, is stronger than ever.”