To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Tigers’ 1969 premiership, richmondfc.com.au is transporting Yellow and Black barrackers back in time throughout 2019 to follow the Punt Road path to that fabulous flag triumph. Today, we take a look at Footy Week’s review of the Tigers’ Round 7 match in the ’69 season against Hawthorn. The clash took place at the MCG on Saturday, May 17, 1969, before a crowd of 35,933. Here’s how Footy Week scribe Doug Mason reported on Richmond’s nine-point loss, under the heading: “HAWKS CLIMB TO TOP”.
“Hawthorn went to the top of the League ladder and took another step towards the finals with a great team effort against Richmond.
The Hawks won because they had 17 desperate, determined players who wanted the ball at all costs.
Richmond lost the game when they failed to score goals against the wind in the second and last quarters.
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Highlight of the game was the failure of Peter Hudson to kick a goal. For most of the day Hudson was well beaten by Richmond full-back Barry Richardson.
Perhaps the conditions did not suit the champion full-forward, but his team-mates must have been dismayed on many occasions at his failure to contest even the most simple of marks.
The Tigers also had trouble at full-forward. Rex Hunt was well beaten by Terry Gay and although he kicked two goals was never able to get into the game and give his team any drive.
Perhaps the most significant move was that of Rod Olsson to the role of ruck-rover. This player rarely turns in a poor game. In the early part of the match, Richmond ruck-rover Mike Bowden was most effective, but Olsson subdued him and was able to give the Hawks the drive they needed in the frantic last quarter.
Hawthorn skipper David Parkin relished his return to the back pocket. His disposal left nothing to be desired.
Ian Bremner, on the half-back flank, was best man on the ground.
He was in everything and completely annihilated two opponents with a perfect display of thoughtful, defensive football. If he was unable to mark he punched the ball clear of the pack and in the direction of a team-mate.
Ray Wilson and Bill Barrot had a great battle in the centre. Wilson’s ground play was more effective than that of his highly-rated opponent and his disposal was much more direct.
On the wings, Des Meagher and Dick Clay had a tremendous struggle, with honors even. Francis Bourke was a clear winner on his wing and one of the Tigers’ best players.
Royce Hart and Norm Bussell figured in another great duel. Hart finished slightly in front for the game, but Bussell would never admit defeat. One of the highlights of the game came late in the last term when Bussell took the ball right off the boot of Roger Dean to save what appeared a certain goal.
Richmond skipper Roger Dean played a terrific captain’s game. He bobbed up all over the ground and was instrumental in keeping the Tigers in business all day.
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Kevin Sheedy must have his name written all over an interstate guernsey. He put in his normal reliable game in the back pocket, but covered a lot more territory than usual because the Hawthorn resting rovers were often down near the centre of the ground.
The Richmond half-back line again had an in-and-out day. Bob Keddie was cutting holes in the defence early in the game, but when he was subdued, Mike Porter, playing his first game for some time, came into the picture with strong, determined play. Neither Ray Ball, for Richmond, nor Kevin Heath, for the Hawks, had much opportunity to impress.”
Match details
Richmond 3.1 3.3 7.6 7.10 (52)
Hawthorn 1.2 3.7 6.8 8.13 (61)
Goals – Richmond: Hart 2, Hunt 2, Bond 2, Patterson.
Best – Richmond: Richardson, Dean, Sheedy, Bourke, Bowden, Hart, Barrot.
Richmond player stats
Kevin Sheedy: 19 kicks, 5 handballs, 5 marks
Barry Richardson: 14 kicks, 1 handball, 4 marks
Mike Bowden: 13 kicks, 10 handballs, 7 marks
Des McKenzie: 8 kicks, 3 handballs, 2 marks
Ray Ball: 6 kicks, 2 handballs, 2 marks
Geoff Strang: 10 kicks, 0 handballs, 2 marks
Francis Bourke: 26 kicks, 7 handballs, 3 marks
Bill Barrot: 24 kicks, 2 handballs, 4 marks
Dick Clay: 15 kicks, 2 handballs, 4 marks
John Perry (off): 2 kicks, 3 handballs, 1 mark
Royce Hart: 15 kicks, 7 handballs, 2 marks
Roger Dean: 24 kicks, 1 handball, 4 marks
Mike Patterson (off): 9 kicks, 2 handballs, 1 mark
Rex Hunt: 7 kicks, 1 handball, 2 marks
Graeme Bond: 8 kicks, 3 handballs, 0 marks
Mike Green: 11 kicks, 0 handballs, 7 marks
John Ronaldson: 1 kick, 0 handballs, 0 marks
Kevin Bartlett: 31 kicks, 3 handballs, 1 mark
Derek Peardon (19th man on 4th quarter): 1 kick, 0 handballs, 0 marks
George McInnes (20th man on, 4th quarter): 0 kicks, 0 handballs, 0 marks
