Throughout 2025, we are transporting Richmond supporters back 60 years to what was a pivotal season in the Club’s history – 1965. In today’s flashback, we focus on the Tigers winning the race to secure the services of Collingwood full-forward Mick Erwin one-third of the way through the ’65 season. The Age leading football writer Ron Carter has the story.

Five League clubs yesterday chased 21-year-old Collingwood forward Mick Erwin...and at the end of his long round of interviews he decided to join Richmond.

Erwin’s clearance application will be approved by Collingwood today and he appears certain to be selected as Richmond’s full-forward tonight for Saturday’s game against North Melbourne.

He will be eligible to play with the Tigers this week if his clearance application, signed by Collingwood, is lodged at the League office by 5 p.m. today.

The other clubs after Erwin were Carlton, Fitzroy, Footscray and North Melbourne.

“I seem to have been talking to football officials all day,” Erwin said after making up his mind.

Erwin arrived at the Richmond ground at 5.30 p.m., and after an hour’s discussion with Mr. Richmond and vice-president Mr. Al Boord decided to join the Tigers.

“I have decided to play with Richmond for two reasons,” he said.

“I feel I have a better future here than anywhere else and I like the idea of playing on the M.C.G.”

Collingwood secretary Mr. Jack Burns said last night Collingwood would clear Erwin.

Mr. Richmond said: “He is just the type of player we need at full-forward: He can take a strong mark and kick straight.”

Erwin played 30 games with Collingwood in four years. He was the Magpies’ spearhead against Carlton last Saturday week, but was dropped for the next game against Melbourne.