Throughout 2026, we are cranking up the Tigerland time machine and transporting yellow and black barrackers back to 1966 to relive a pivotal year in Richmond’s history.
We turn our attention today to the Tigers’ Round 11 clash of the ’66 season with Hawthorn at Glenferrie Oval. Here is the match report that appeared in The Age newspaper by leading football writer Ron Carter.
"For a team geared and educated to operate at its best on the open spaces of the MCG, Saturday’s five goals win on the cramped Hawthorn ground was most satisfying to Richmond.
In unpleasant mud and hard-to-manage conditions, the win was much more pleasing to the Tigers than most people would believe.
The after-the-match remarks to both sides by Richmond president Ray Dunn told how happy the Tigers were to finish the day ahead.
“We were more frightened of this game at Hawthorn than next Saturday’s match against Carlton,” said Mr. Dunn, who knew Carlton had just scored a shock win over Collingwood.
Hemmed in by the confined Glenferrie Oval, Richmond found its flowing game restricted, and at times almost non-existent.
Its handball, however, was probably the main contributing factor to its success.
In the treacherous conditions and with the greasy ball, the Tigers were more penetrating because they moved the ball better out of the packs.
This was possible because it is the Tigers’ second nature to bring handball into play where possible.
Although they always were in fairly strong command their goals did not come as easily as the final score might indicate.
But for a second-quarter lapse in which Richmond kicked 5.4, the Hawks’ defence was stable and determined, and in the third quarter it kept the Tigers down to only three points.
The Hawks’ half-backs Phil Lade, Kevin McLean and after half-time, Ross Growcott, were particularly hard to pass.
Neither of Richmond’s centre half-forwards, Ross Warner and Pat Guinane, directed any drive to the goals and the attack suffered proportionately.
Richmond, however, had strong and telling service from centreman Roger Dean – a great stand-in for injured Bill Barrot – and from its rucks after half-time."
Match details
Richmond 3.3 8.7 8.10 11.13 (79)
Hawthorn 2.4 3.6 5.9 6.13 (49)
Goals – Richmond: Clay 2, Guinane 2, Hogan 2, Northey 2, Cameron, A. Richardson, Ronaldson.
Leading possession-winners – Richmond: Dean 26, Crowe 19, Gahan 18, Hogan 18, Brown 17, Davenport 17, A. Richardson 17.
Best – Richmond: Dean (best on ground), Strang, Madigan, Smith, Davenport, Hogan.
Goals – Hawthorn: Arthur 2, Peck 2, Albiston, R. Browne.
Leading possession-winners – Hawthorn: Wilson 22, Meagher 21, McLean 19, Parkin 19, Arthur 18, Growcott 18, Lade 18,
Best – Hawthorn: Wilson, Lade, McLean, Albiston, Dickson, Arthur.
Attendance: 15,880
