RICHMOND appear set to rest Ben Cousins for Saturday night’s NAB Cup first-round clash with Hawthorn in Launceston.

Cousins is not under any injury cloud and his preparation will include participation in pre-season practice matches before the Tigers’ match with Carlton in the opening match of the season on March 25, The Australian reports.

The 2005 Brownlow medallist is likely to be joined on the sidelines by ruckman Troy Simmonds, who is overcoming a back injury, Daniel Jackson (back) and Nathan Foley, who had ankle surgery last month and will struggle to be fit for the start of the season.

Richmond’s first national draft selection Dustin Martin, the overall third pick, is certain to make his debut, while other newcomers include Mitch Farmer, David Astbury and Jeromey Webberley

Another preseason is coming to an end, our first without our beloved Matthew Richardson. So what can the RFC fans look forward to this season? One thing is for certain, it will be interesting to see who emerges as the next big thing at Tigerland this season. For so long Richmond has emersed itself in everything Richo. There is no doubting Richo was the heart and soul of our club, but who will step up and fill these gigantic shoes this season and beyond? Who will the Tiger faithful pin their hopes on come match day, and most importantly who will be the face of the club to drive memberships and bring the fans through the gates to watch and cheer? We have a lot to look forward to this season….watch this space!

Bree McAullay

Richmond players emerged unscathed from a practice match at Craigieburn’s Highgate Reserve yesterday.

The Tigers had their biggest hitout of the pre season, against VFL affiliate Coburg, in front of a large contingent of fans.

The match gave the coaching staff a chance to see the club’s newest draftees in action before next week’s opening round NAB Cup encounter with Hawthorn in Tasmania (February 13).

Players were used on a rotational basis in a five-period match, and almost the entire squad participated, with Troy Simmonds, Nathan Foley and Daniel Jackson among those not to take the field.

GRAHAM Polak is poised to win back his place on Richmond’s senior list after stunning improvement this summer.

Only three months after he was delisted and subsequently returned to the rookie list, the tram accident survivor is firming as the Tigers’ most threatening forward option this season.

Happy Australia Day everybody

How lucky are we to live in a wonderful country

Just a minute of your time to let you know what the Sydney Tigers have in store in 2010

* Richmond v Sydney Saturday April 10-SCG 7-10PM.
With the game now being played in the evening,we are hosting a pre game
function at Paddo RSL,a short walk from the SCG.
Proposed time 2-00PM until 5-00 to 5-30 pm,we do have the room until 6-00PM.
We will supply finger food and charge a fee ( to be determined)
There will be a cash bar.
Guest speakers-Hopeful of Gary March,Brendan Gale and possibly a member of the
Coaching staff.
As soon as final details are arranged will advise

After the game-We will be going back to Paddo RSL,where everyone is
welcome to join us for a drink.
Unfortunately it is unlikely there will be any player appearance as the team
will be flying back on the night of the game.

* For those that want to see the players-training is always an open session
and will be held on Friday afternoon at the SCG.
* Major Raffle
1st Prize 2010 Signed Jumper
2nd Prize 2010 Signed Football
3rd Prize $100-00 Tiger Den Gift Voucher
4th Prize 6 Bottles of Wine
Tickets $2-00,will be available for sale shortly and available
online,at Richmond Fan day,during my trips to Melbourne
Rounds 1 & 2,Pre Game Function at the SCG on game day.
Drawn after the Match at Paddo RSL

* Tipping Competion-
In the last few years we have run in conjunction with Official NAB tipping competion
a very successful tipping competition.
We offer 3 Prizes plus 5 power play rounds where the weekly winner wins $20-00.
We are proposing to increase first prize to $1000-00
with 2nd $500-00 3rd $250-00
plus 5 power plays of $20-00.
To make a profit which is donated to RFC,entry will be $50-00 and
we will need at least 50 participants.
To express your interest contact our Tipping Administrator
Tim Frohlich email learnforlife@optusnet.com.au

* Dream Team

We will also be running a dream team competitio
Restricted to 16 persons
Proposed entry TBC $30-00
One winner only Prize Money tbc $300-00
To express interest contact administrator
Ian Kenner email
* Membership
Membership is available to the Sydney Tigers
$5-00 for a Richmond Member
$10-00 for a Non Richmond Member
$20-00 for a family

We welcome members outside of Sydney
Members receive 10% discount on functions
Non Victorian Members receive a discount
on 5 Game Richmond Membership.
All Members received a Personalised Membership Card
As an incentive we are offering the 2009 Signed Football
as a Members only draw.
All Members will be placed in barrel to win Signed Football,
to be drawn at Pre Game Function.
For Membership Forms and how to pay contact
Secretary Bree McAULLAY Emailbree.mcaullay@gmail.com

* Season Launch and Cricket Game
Our Season Launch will be held at Technology Park
Henderson Road Alexandria(short distance from Camelia Grove Hotel)
on Sunday 28th of February from 10-00am.
We will be playing another Cricket Game against our co tenants of the
Camelia Grove Hotel-Sydney Magpies,who we defeated 108-83
at the end of 2009.
It was only a casual 20 over game with a Tennis Ball,but it is always
good to beat Collingwood.
The Sydney Tigers were well represented by your truly,Bree McAullay,
Tim Frohlich,Steve Waring and John Petkovshek.
We will require another couple of players for next game,so let me know if you
are interested.

We will play another 20 over game,beer and soft drink available,
and after the game will proceed to Camelia Grove Hotel for a sausage sizzle.
We will have some footies available for the kids to have a kick with,so even if
you are not keen on cricket come down for a drink and a fun day.

* Sponsor
Just a note about our Home Base the Camelia Grove Hotel.
The Hotel has undergone renovation and for those that are not big drinkers
there is now a restauarant area which will serve coffee,so you can still
watch the game on the big screen and have a drink,a bite to eat or a coffee/tea.

* Fan Day

I will be attending Fan Day this year.
We will have an area for those that need any information about the Sydney Tigers.
I look forward to seeing all my Melbourne friends.

* Finally for those in Sydney
Our main focus at the moment is to get ourselves organized
for Richmond v Sydney Round 3.
Later on in the year we will plan some other events,notably
a Trivia Night at the Camelia Grove Hotel after the Richmond-Collingwood game.

Thanks for your time,can’t wait for the Season to start and a new Tiger
Era to emerge.
I believe that we have the right people in place to make this happen.
MARK MAUNDER PRESIDENT RICHMOND TIGERS SYDNEY SUPPORTERS GROUP
0410036136

A sad day for the Richmond Football Club and it’s supporters.
Much loved Matthew Richardson has announced his retirement with a press conference
due at 10-00am tomorrow at Punt Road.

Richmond has lost one of it’s favourite sons,a player who has given his heart and soul to the Club,there will be many tears.

2 Favourite sons Joel Bowden and Matthew Richardson have now retired,time for the Club
to rebuild with a young list and for new heros to emerge.

The 34-year-old, who tore his hamstring tendon back in May, had resumed light pre-season training with the Club, but hadn’t made a definite commitment to go on in 2010.
“I wanted to see how I pulled up after a few weeks of training before I made a final decision, but the hamstring is just not good,” Richardson said.
“It hasn’t felt right when I’ve been running and the medical prognosis with it isn’t positive.
“So, weighing everything up, it is definitely the right time for me to retire.
“I didn’t want to spend the last couple of years of my career riddled with injury.”
‘Richo’ will go down in the Club’s history as one of the greatest Tigers of them all.
Among the numerous honors he achieved throughout his career were:
• Winner of Richmond’s Leading Goalkicker award 13 times.
• Second place on the Tigers’ all-time goalkicking list, with 800 goals.
• Winner of the Club’s Best and Fairest award in 2007.
• Three-time All-Australian representative.
• Member of Richmond’s Team of the Century.

Richo’s on-field trademarks were his amazing athleticism, courage and superb marking prowess.

It’s doubtful if there has ever been a more popular Richmond player, with Tiger supporters loving Richo’s exciting playing style and his strong emotional connection to the Club.

That passion for the Yellow and Black made it even harder for Richo to finally call time on his league career, however, he is comfortable with the decision that’s now been made.

“It’s never easy walking away from something that you’ve loved doing for so long, but I consider myself fortunate to have played at such a great club as Richmond in front of such wonderfully, loyal, passionate supporters. There are so many memories from my time at Tigerland that I will cherish,” he said.

MARK MAUNDER PRESIDENT RICHMOND TIGERS SYDNEY SUPPORTERS GROUP
0410036136

THE SYDNEY TIGERS ARE A RECOGNIZED SUPPORTER GROUP OF THE
RICHMOND FOOTBALL CLUB

Firstly a reminder to all those living in Sydney metropolitan area that
the Sydney Tigers AGm will be held at Bardwell Park RSL on Wednesday 11th of November
(Hartill Law Avenue) opposite Bardwell Park Train Station.

The meeting will be held in the board room at 7-00PM,and free drinks
will be provided at the conclusion of the meeting.

Please indicate if you plan on attending this meeting.
We also still welcome any people who wish to nominate for the Committee.
With a game in Sydney we welcome as many helpers as possible.

Now for everyone as you may be aware there is a game in Sydney on
Saturday April 10 2-10PM.(President’s birthday)
A good day and time.

Sydney has not been a happy hunting ground for the Tigers,hopefully that
will change next year.

The Sydney Tigers always try to put on some functions to coincide with the game.

We are proposing to have a function on Friday at More Restaurant(formerly
Chatt’s) situated in O’Connell Street Sydney,the same venue as 3 years ago.
This was a good venue,close to where the team stays,I must say I was disappointed
with last year,as there was not enough food.

There will also be an after match function,more than likelt Paddo RSL,we just have
to negotiate not paying $400-00,which we think is excessive.

With the help of our good friend Dale Weightman,we hope to have
any of the coaches(Hardwick,Leppitsch,Lade or Campbell) attend on Friday night
and hopefully the whole playing squad attend after the match on Saturday evening.

We will provide further details as soon as they are to hand,but hopefully a few
of you will travel to Sydney to watch the game and support our functions.

The Sydney Tigers raised $4500-00 for the RFC which we belive is a pretty fair effort.

MARK MAUNDER PRESIDENT RICHMOND TIGERS SYDNEY SUPPORTERS GROUP
0410036136

Hello to you all.

Hope you are enjoying the off season,missing the Footy already.

Just to bring you up to date,the Sydney Tigers have sent a cheque for $4500-00 for monies
raised this year,a pretty good effort for a small group,and thanks to you all for making this worth while.

By now you would have seen the new Coaching appointments which are all quite positive,
I have a good feeling about Damien Hardwick.
The club is also doing well financially and will be able to spend a bit more money on the
Football Department o help it compete with the richer clubs.

If you have been following the Melbourne press,there was concern that Richmond were only going to play 7 home games,but thanks to abrendan Gale and Gary March voicing their concerns it looks as though this will not be the case.
See below.
BRENDON Gale has achieved his first significant victory in his new role at Richmond after taking his grievancest to the AFL regarding the Tigers’ 2010 home-and-away fixture.
In the final version of the draw, to be released on Friday, Richmond has been handed an additional two home games at the MCG and won the right to host the season-opener against Carlton on Thursday, March 25. Gale was also successful in switching the Tigers’ only Friday night game – against St Kilda – from Etihad Stadium to the MCG.

My mail does tell me that it is unlikely that Richmond will be playing in Sydney,given we have
played up here for the last 4 years.
The committee of the Sydney Tigers does have a contingency plan if this occurs and will
be looking at having a season launch the day after the First Round game against Carllton,
which will take place Thursday March 25th,so we will therefore have a function in Melbourne
on Friday the 26th of March.
We will lobby the club for appearances by Damien Hardwick,Brendan Gale and at least two players,stay tuned for more info.

Of important information is our AGM,which is proposed to take place on
Wednesday the 11th of November at Bardwell Park RSL Hartill Law Avenue,next to Bardwell Park RSL.
I am just waiting for the committee to confirm this date.
Please view website sydneytigers.org.au in the next few days for confirmation of date.

We welcome new members to the Committee as many hands make light work.

If you nominate for the committee you will be required to help with and functions and fund raising activities,given these only take place over one weekend in the case of a function,it is not a huge job.

We hope people continue to attend our matches at the Camelia Grove Hotel next year,but understand that is is difficult for people to get there every week.

I must say that I myself missed a few matches at the pub but had a busy year Coaching,
which I won’t be doing next year and my son Dominic is having a year off footy,so I should have a lot morre free time,am planning to attend quite a few games in Melbourne.

We also welcome any new sponsors to help us raise funds for Richmond Football Club.

MARK MAUNDER PRESIDENT SYDNEY TIGERS
0410036136

Sue Schlunke is the winner of the Signed Jumper
with a bid of $200-00

Sydney Tigers have a 2009 Richmond jumper signed by the whole playing squad.

Bids for this jumper can me made by email to maunds@hotmail.com.

Bidding commences at 6-00PM and concludes at 8-00PM

Highest Bid will be updated on this website