To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Tigers’ 1969 premiership triumph, 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 by leading football writer Ron Carter, which outlined Richmond’s MCG preparation plans, and also reviewed the Tigers’ intra-club practice match that took place on Saturday, March 23, 1969.

“Richmond Football Club officials want their players to get the feel of the MCG before the opening game against Essendon on April 7.

To do this, they have applied for permission to use the MCG for a practice game on Wednesday.

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Although Richmond shares the MCG with Melbourne as its home ground, all its training is done on the Punt Rd. Oval.

But before each season coach Tom Hafey likes to get his players onto the MCG for at least one or two runs before the opening round.

Play was congested in Saturday’s main practice game on the Punt Road oval.

There were many instances of experienced players handballing out of packs to the opposition.

Previous games this season have shown that the Tigers are capable of much better form.

Ruck-rover Tony Jewell was the outstanding player in Saturday’s game. His judgement and clearing dashes from the packs were most noticeable, both in around the ground play and in the back pocket.

Wingman Dick Clay played well in the centre, although he and his opponent Bill Barrot, played wide of each other.

Clay’s marking was a feature of his game and he finished off his work with long, accurate kicks.

Wingman John Perry also was prominent. He had several different opponents, and was a clear winner against each.

Ed Murphy just took the honors in a battle with centre half-forward Rex Hunt – mainly because of his many “big” marks.

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Half-forward Don Davenport, who missed last season because of a knee operation, is making a determined bid to return to the team.

Davenport kicked 1.6, but some of his shots from a long way out were just off target.

Ray Ball at full-back, and George McInnes, a follower and defender, played consistently well, and Tasmanian recruit forward Lloyd French showed flashes of good play.”