To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Tigers’ 1969 premiership, richmondfc.com.au is regularly transporting Yellow and Black barrackers back in time throughout this year to follow the Punt Road path to that fabulous flag triumph. Today we take a look at an article in ‘The Age’ newspaper of March 10, 1969, which focused on a clearance wrangle involving a 1967 Richmond premiership hero, and a review of a Tigers’ intra-club practice match.

“Richmond secretary Alan Schwab yesterday issued a blunt warning to South Melbourne: “Lay off ‘Bull’ Richardson – he is our player and won’t get a clearance.

Schwab added: “South is just wasting its time even thinking about getting Richardson.”

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Richardson, who acted as a runner in South’s practice game on Saturday, turned out with the Tigers at Albert Park yesterday.

He was constantly under notice for his handball and play-on style, and it was certainly not the brand of football to sway Richmond into clearing him.

Half-forward Eric Moore was best afield. He used his strength in the packs, marked safely and kicked four goals.

Another half-forward, John Northey, who also kicked four goals, is also in top early season form.

Full-forward Royce Hart, on leave from the Army, gave a good display. He kicked three goals against strong opposition from Barry Richardson.

Hart’s playing future with Richmond this season is in doubt because of Army commitments.

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Roger Dean was placed in the centre against Bill Barrot. They played wide of each other and both got their share of kicks.

Colin Beard, who played at full-back with Western Australia before joining Richmond last year, had his hands full when tried at centre half-back against Rex Hunt.

Forward Pat Guinane, who has signed with VFA club Dandenong, was an onlooker yesterday. He is likely to be cleared.”

Commemorate the 50-year anniversary of the 1969 premiership at this month's Season Launch, Hall of Fame and 1969 Reunion