Jack Riewoldt has capped off a superb, break-out season of AFL football by winning his inaugural Jack Dyer Medal.

Riewoldt becomes the first player in Richmond’s history to win the Best and Fairest and the competition’s leading goalkicker award in the same season.

The exciting, young full-forward, who took out the Coleman Medal, with 78 goals in the 2010 home-and-away season, edged out Tiger captain Chris Newman in a thrilling Jack Dyer Medal count held in the Palladium Ballroom at Crown this evening.

Riewoldt polled 210 votes to win by six from Newman on 204 votes, with Brett Deledio, winner of the past two Jack Dyer Medals, in third place on 193 votes. Dustin Martin underlined the impact he had in his debut season by finishing fourth with 159 votes, while in fifth place was Shane Tuck, who continued his remarkable run in the Jack Dyer Medal. It was Tuck’s sixth top-10 finish in six full seasons of AFL football with the Tigers. Shane Edwards, who received the Club’s Most Improved Player award, was sixth, while Trent Cotchin, despite missing four games late in the season due to suspension, finished seventh.

It took Riewoldt until Round 9 to take the lead in the 2010 Jack Dyer Medal count, which he did, courtesy of a top-class, six-goal effort in a losing side against Essendon. The 21-year-old then racked up the votes in the following few rounds, scoring a perfect 25 for his outstanding, match-winning 10-goal display against West Coast at the MCG in Round 12. Riewoldt had a comfortable 14-vote lead after Round 15, but by the end of Round 19, Newman had worked his way in front. The Tiger skipper still held a slender lead after Round 20, but a brilliant seven-goal performance by Riewoldt, in the Round 21 loss to St Kilda at Etihad Stadium, was the clincher. Riewoldt regained the lead and did enough in the final round to hang on to claim his first Jack Dyer Medal.

Throughout the 2010 season, Riewoldt scored three goals or more 14 times, and four goals or more on eight occasions. From Round 8-15, he kicked 43 goals, which was the highest individual total in a consecutive eight-game period by an AFL player since Essendon’s Matthew Lloyd in 2001. Riewoldt was ranked No. 1 at the Club for total marks (123), No. 1 for contested marks (54), No. 1 for marks inside-50 (79) and equal No. 5 for tackles (68).

Newman enjoyed his best season of league football in 2010 and his second placing in the Jack Dyer Medal was his highest finish in the Club’s Best and Fairest. The Tigers captain averaged 19.5 disposals per game in his 21 appearances and had 20 disposals or more 12 times. He was ranked No. 2 in the rebound-50s category at the Club (79), No. 5 for total disposals (410), No. 4 for total marks (101), No. 6 for inside-50 entries (52) and equal No. 5 for tackles (68).

Deledio had an excellent season, in a new role under coach, Damien Hardwick, as a rebounding half-back. The 23-year-old veteran of 128 league games had 20 disposals or more 20 times. He was ranked No. 1 at the Club for kicks (302), No. 2 for handballs (254), No. 1 for total disposals (556), No. 2 for total marks (116), No. 1 for inside-50 entries (76) and No. 1 for rebound-50s (93).

Martin had an instant impact in Richmond’s midfield throughout his debut season of AFL football. The 19-year-old averaged just over 20 disposals per match in his 21 games, and had 20 disposals or more 11 times. He was ranked No. 1 at the Club for clearances (97), No. 3 for total disposals (425), No. 2 for inside-50 entries (74), No. 2 for contested possessions (179) and No. 4 for tackles (70).

Tuck didn’t earn senior selection at Tigerland until Round 3, but he quickly made up for lost time with his customary vote-catching form. The 28-year-old averaged 25.5 disposals per game in his 20 appearances and had 20 disposals or more 16 times. He was ranked No. 3 at the Club for kicks (227), No. 1 for handballs (283), No. 2 for total disposals (510), No. 2 for clearances (92), No. 3 for inside-50 entries (66) and No. 1 for tackles (103).

The voting system for the Jack Dyer Medal is, as follows . . .

After each game, the five members of the Club’s match committee cast votes for each of the team’s 22 players.

Each player receives zero to five votes from each coach, so the most an individual player can poll in a match is 25 votes.

Five votes are awarded for an outstanding performance, four for an excellent game, all the way down to zero if the player is well beaten on the day.

Other award winners announced at the 2010 Jack Dyer Medal night were:
Bill Cosgrove/Harry Jenkins Best First Year Player: Dustin Martin
Francis Bourke Award: Chris Newman
Michael Roach Award for Leading Goalkicker: Jack Riewoldt
Most Improved Player: Shane Edwards

Kevin Bartlett Medal (5th place in the Best and Fairest): Shane Tuck
Fred Swift Medal (4th place in the B & F): Dustin Martin
Maurie Fleming Medal (3rd place in the B & F): Brett Deledio
Jack Titus Medal (2nd place in the B & F): Chris Newman
Jack Dyer Medal (1st place in the B & F): Jack Riewoldt

Following, is a list of the top 10 vote-getters in the 2010 Jack Dyer Medal:

2010 Jack Dyer Medal
1st Jack Riewoldt 210 votes
2nd Chris Newman 204
3rd Brett Deledio 193
4th Dustin Martin 159
5th Shane Tuck 153
6th Shane Edwards 151
7th Trent Cotchin 131
8th Kelvin Moore 123
9th Jake King 117
10th Daniel Jackson 114

MARK MAUNDER PRESIDENT SYDNEY TIGERS
0410036136

His younger brother Dominic had more luck winning 15c Soccer Major Semi 1-0.

I haven’t had a chance to watch a replay of the game just yet,but hope to,but it
appears a much better effort than last week.
And of course our old mate Jack kicked a lazy 7,odds on to win the Coleman Medal,
an outstanding effort playing in a team running second last.

Bad news about Ben Cousins straining a hamstring,hopefully he can get a fairwell game.

Haven’t booked my flights yet,don’t know if I will go down if Cuzzy is not playing.
Also given we have the trivia night.

Guys I have had replies from Nicole Royals,Lisa Rose and Rachel Burns indicating they
will have tables on the night,and our Treasurer Tim Frohlich has confirmed his attendance.
Tim has also sponsored our group for $250-00,many thanks Tim.

We need to know numbers so we can tell the caterers how manyn people are attending.
We are intending to make sure you get a decent amount of food for your $20-0 entry
and there will be $200-00 for the winning table.
Given the set up of the pub table sizes will be restricted to numbers of 4 -6.

Our trivia expert John Petkovshek will be putting the questions together,I will
be MC,good for a laugh or two.
We are co-hosting the event with Sydney Magpies and our groups will share
in $10-00 profit for every pesron that attends.

Please let me know asap if you are planning to attend.
MATCH REPORT
A JACK Riewoldt-inspired Richmond has fallen to a 21-point loss after pushing St Kilda for most of Saturday’s clash at Etihad Stadium.
The 17.13 (115) to 14.10 (94) result was the Saints’ 13th victory in succession over the Tigers – a streak that dates back to round four, 2003.
However, the game might have also been the farewell appearance for retiring veteran Ben Cousins, who strained his left hamstring during the third quarter.
While Cousins’ injury soured the afternoon somewhat, the battle of the Riewoldts provided plenty of highlights at either end of the ground.
Jack Riewoldt bagged seven goals for Richmond to win the Ian Stewart Medal, while his cousin Nick booted 3.3 for St Kilda.
Justin Koschitzke (five goals), Nick Dal Santo (36 possessions) and Brendon Goddard (29) were other dominant players on the winning side, as was Leigh Montagna, who picked up 42 touches.
Goddard enjoyed both highs and lows. He took one of the finest marks of the season during the second quarter, then cost his team a goal when he was responsible for an interchange infringement in the third.
Back after a four-week suspension, midfielder Trent Cotchin was an impressive contributor for the Tigers, while Jack Riewoldt took his season tally to 75 goals, and kept him in front of Bulldogs forward Barry Hall in the race for the Coleman Medal.
Jake King was another surprise packet in attack with three goals.
Richmond began well and led by 17 points with less than three minutes to go in the opening quarter.
But two late majors had the Saints within five points at the first change, and they hit the front early in the second term through Koschitzke.
However, the Tigers kept battling, and thanks to a brilliant goal from Cotchin they trailed their top-four opponents by only five points at the long break.
The Saints’ class shone through during the second half, though it took until the early stages of the last quarter for them to finally break clear.
St Kilda 5.2 10.6 13.9 17.13 (115)
Richmond 6.1 10.1 12.3 14.10 (94)
GOALS
St Kilda: Koschitzke 5, Riewoldt 3, Dal Santo 2, Goddard 2, Armitage, Gram, Milne, Montagna Pattison
Richmond: Riewoldt 7, King 3, Cotchin 2, Moore, Taylor
BEST
St Kilda: Montagna, Goddard, Koschitzke, Dal Santo, Riewoldt, Gilbert
Richmond: Riewoldt, Cotchin, King, Deledio, Connors, Edwards
INJURIES
St Kilda: Nil
Richmond: Cousins (hamstring), Thursfield (corked thigh)
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Wenn, Jennings, McInerney
Official crowd: 33,790 at Etihad Stadium

I suggest that following a meeting with Richmond today that perhaps they may have indicated
that he would not be offered a contract for next year but I am guessing.

Discussing with a few of the guys at the pub on Saturday as we watched us get belted
by Carlton,we all agreed that Ben was good enough to go around for two reasons

1. He is clearly in our best 22
2,We don’t have the depth that other clubs have to afford to let a quality player
like Ben Cousins go.

Having said that the Club obviously want to move forward with youth.

As a Richmond supporter I was proud of the Richmond Football Club,for giving Ben Cousins
an opportunity to play AFL football again
I believe the RFC and it’s supporters embraced Ben and he embraced the RFC.

It will be a sad day when he plays his last game against Port Adelaide
on Sunday August 29,2-10 PM game.
Hopefully Ben will stay involved with the Richmond Football Club.

Just wanted to thank the big crowd at the Camelia Grove Hotel on Saturday,
very disappointing game,great to see our old mate Marc Lawrence back.

MARK MAUNDER

Off to the Airport for a 8-15 flight,no dramas,plane on time,only concern
was when the Captain said that the weather was 10 degrees and raining,I planned
for cold weather but not rain,should have checked the forecast.

Anyway on arrival at Melbourne Airport,definitely cold but not raining,so ok that’s not too bad.

Given my vast contacts at RFC,I had an appointment with Geoff Blackbourne the Richmond doorman,
to meet him outside Gate 1 so he could give me a dressing room pass for the day.

So off to Richmond station for the walk to the MCG,who should I bump into but my old mate the ‘flea’
Dale Weightman who was off to the dressing room to present debutant Robert Hicks with his jumper
for first game,so I tagged along and got to see Dale make a speech and present Robert with his jumper
so that was good.

So I got my pass off Geoff headed off,still only 11-30,so I sourced the seats that are on sale
for AFL Grand Final-$1500-00 to sit in Great Southern Stand-Q9-pretty high up but on lower level,
pretty good vantage point-cost covers ticket plus a function on the Friday night,so that’s okay,
especially when I was lucky enough to win $1000-00 on WS FM to ring up when a song
goes dead.
I got through,which is a shock,I never win anything,so that will help cover the cost of my ticket.
Also when I rang AFL events they said I can request a certain spot where I sit,so hopefully they
will look after me,so good result all round.

Then off to my seat for the game,gee there were a lot of empty seats in the Reserved section I sit in,
but most of the regulars I sit near were there,so pleasantries all round,they are nice people.

I guess Sunday games at 1-10 on a cold day,means not all Members turn up.

So to the game,first quarter pretty good,
2nd quarter disastrous,disgraceful umpiring,when I saw we had Steve McBurnie I thought good,
he’s a decent umpire but even he was crook on the day and his two mates were worst.
But to be fair we were poor as well,just couldn’t get the ball out of back half,we were so lucky
with all the misses Adelaide made,so only 19 points down at Half Time.

By the way did I mention how cold it was,it was absoulutely freezing,but funnily enough I thought
we could still win,we had played poorly,were down 11-4 in free kick count and only down by 19 points.

I had a bit of free time before the game and I don’t normally punt so I took Richmond to win by 20-39
points.

Third quarter Richmond come out a different team,Adelaide were not able to find targets as easily as
they had,we started to win the ball out of the centre,both our Ruckmen were getting first knock,
I will eat my words I thought Andrew Browne looked good,he can be a good tap ruckmen.
We also started to get more run out from the backline,the goal to Webberly was a prime exmaple of that.

So we turned a 19 point deficit into a 6 point lead going into the last quarter,and we we were running to
the Punt Road end.
The small but vocal Richmond crowd could senss a victory.

More of the same in the last quarter we continued to dominate,the Hail,came down,and we went onto
win by 20 points,I only had a fiver on us,so I didn’t win a fortune,but made a few bucks.

I tell you what to see the Tigers come from behind and win by 20 points,made the travel and being in the freezing cold worthwhile.

Finally hey I,ve got a dressing room pass,a dash around to gate 1 down in the lift,into the dressing room,
just in time to see the boys come in,a happy lot and to see them sing the team song.

But wait there’s more off to the social club,for a couple of frothies,caught up with a lot of people
I have got to know,Willos,Steve King,Tiger Jack and his family and Shev from Sydney.

There was group getting the Tigers song going,the place was packed,everyone was happy.

Jack Riewoldt,Ben Nason and Mitch Famer cam back and Jack was interviewed,he is great,
a champion bloke and on the way to being a champion player.

Couldn’t hang around too long a dash to the Airport for a 6-45 flight,but only one runway
in Sydney so flight delayed by an hour,finally arrived at Sydney at 9-05,home by 9-30,
but it didn’t matter I had a great day.

It’s great being a Tigers supporter,gees I hope you managed to read this without falling asleep.

MATCH REPORT
The Crows are now two games and significant percentage outside the eight with just four games remaining, and they have a tough run home on the back of the 15.10 (100) to 11.14 (80) loss.

Watch the spirited Tigers sing the team song after the match

The first term was a turnover-fest, with both sides struggling in the slippery and gusty conditions, and in the second the Crows blew the opportunity to put the game away when they kicked 4.9 with the last 13 scoring shots of the term to lead by just three goals after going inside 50 16 times compared to the Tigers seven.

The third saw a much better effort from the Tigers as they outscored the visitors six goals to two – including debutant Robbie Hicks’ first AFL goal to take a single-goal lead in to the last on the back of a Luke McGuane major.

The Tigers got the first two goals of the term to get the lead out to 18 points, but Kurt Tippett’s first of the afternoon got one back before the hail arrived and turned the ground white, and the Tigers ran the game out with two of the last three goals.

The Tigers were brilliantly led by veteran midfielder Ben Cousins, who played his best game for the club, while a host of midfielders in Jeromey Webberley, Shane Tuck despite numerous turnovers, Shane Edwards, Dustin Martin and Daniel Jackson, while Brett Deledio and Chris Newman were as good as ever across half-back.

Next week, the Tigers face the surging Melbourne, while the Crows have the Western Bulldogs at AAMI Stadium.

Richmond 4.4 5.4 11.7 15.10 (100)
Adelaide 3.2 7.11 9.13 11.14 (80)

GOALS
Richmond: King 2, Riewoldt 2, Tuck, Webberley, White, Martin, Morton, Browne, Cousins, Hicks, Jackson, McGuane, Newman.
Adelaide: Douglas 2, Sloane, Dangerfield, Griffin, Vince, Walker, Reilly, Porplyzia, Thompson, Vince.

BEST
Richmond: Tuck, Deledio, Edwards, Newman, Cousins, King, Jackson.
Adelaide: Thompson, Symes, Mackay, Vince, Stevens, Doughty, Rutten.

INJURIES
Richmond: Andrew Collins (corked thigh) replaced in selected side by Robbie Hicks
Adelaide: Nil

Reports: Nil

Umpires: McBurney, Kamolins, Jennings

MARK MAUNDER
0410036136

With the number of players we have out,it’s gonna be a very tough
task to beat an in form Collingwood team.
Full team list below.

Well as I say if you get to one game this year,come along on Saturday.

Show Collingwood we are true supporters,which obviously we are because
we still support the Tigers.

We might lose the game but we won’t be beaten,we will stick by the Tigers
through good times and bad.

The journey has just begun,we can take it to Collingwood if we play hard contested
football,all we ask for is a committed effort.

Imagine how disapppointed you would be,if we get up there and you weren’t there
to share it with other Tiger supporters.

If we get a belting,it happens,we can enkoy a few quiet drinks,there’s always
someone worse off.

On a final note wanted to share how lucky I am to have such a great wife,
went to my first AFL Grand Final last year,loved it,so booked cheap flights,
accomodation at Cube Apartments-4 nights for this year’s Grand Final,wife
reckons I forgot to tell her.

Only real chance to get a ticket pay overs-when I told my wife the cost,
over $1000-00 she said your kidding,forget it,write off the air fares.

I get home this arvo she says go,on one condition,you can’t go next
year(exception Tigers make Grand Final-you never know) so I am
lucky to have a good wife.

My mate Ron Moss says with all the work I do should get a ticket
through the Club,just doesn’t work that way Ron and I don’t expect,anyway
you only live once.

See you Saturday afternoon guys.

Richmond ruckman Andrew Browne has been selected to play his first game of the 2010 season this weekend, and the second of his AFL career.

The 20-year-old is one of six inclusions to the Richmond team for the Round 17 clash with Collingwood on Saturday at the MCG.

Browne earned his spot in the team after several impressive performances for Coburg in the VFL.

He has been recalled along with Mitch Morton, Dean Polo, Alex Rance, Jayden Post and Ben Nason.

The Tigers were forced to make four changes, with Trent Cotchin suspended and Kel Moore, Matt White and Will Thursfield failing to recover from injuries. Richard Tambling and Ty Vickery were omitted.

Collingwood v Richmond
Saturday July 24
MCG, 2.10pm

Backs: C.Newman, L.McGuane, A.Rance
Half Backs: B.Deledio, D.Astbury, D.Connors
Centreline: M.Morton, D.Martin, S.Edwards
Half Forwards: B.Nason, A.Collins, B.Cousins
Forwards: J.Post, J.Riewoldt, D.Polo
Followers: A.Graham, S.Tuck, J.King

Interchange: R.Nahas, A.Browne, M.Farmer, J.Webberley

Emergencies: D.Gourdis, T.Taylor, R.Hicks

In: M.Morton , D.Polo , A.Rance , B.Nason , J.Post , A.Browne
Out: R.Tambling (Omitted) , K.Moore (Leg) , M.White (Leg) , W.Thursfield (Concussion) , T.Cotchin (Suspension) , T.Vickery (Omitted)

MARK MAUNDER PRESIDENT RICHMOND TIGERS SYDNEY SUPPORTERS GROUP
0410036136

Last year, in Round 5, our Tigers notched their first win for the year against the Kangaroos and it was a dizzying experience watching us come from no-hope underdogs to victors. This year, with the Tigers running hot on five wins from six starts, they entered as favourites and expectation was high, despite the significant outs of the suspended Daniel Jackson and team talisman, Ben Griffiths (who is yet to play in a losing AFL team). Upsets were on the cards for Round 16, Geelong having been knocked off by Adelaide and the Saints having been embarrassed by Collingwood and the steady Melbourne rain was going to all but remove clean overhead marking as a feature of the game. Something I would rue, having just brought in Jack Riewoldt into my dream team.

As regularly mentioned by my North Melbourne-supporter comrades, the result of this game also meant more from a season perspective to the Kangaroos than to the Tigers, North Melbourne having to keep winning in order to keep their finals hopes alive.

Right from the opening bounce, despite the closeness of the score early and the fact that Jake King, in his 50th game, kicked the first goal, what concerned me was not the fact that we were generally behind, but rather the features of the Tigers’ play which had been so visible over the past six weeks – desire and pressure – were notably absent. And the Kangaroos were showing just the sort of desire and pressure which has had them threatening the top-8 all season.

The early going was an arm-wrestle with neither team able to string 2 consecutive goals together until Trent Cotchin laid a late hit on Kangaroo rookie Sam Wright which ended with Wright being carried off, not to return and Cotchin being reported; a report which has ended up costing our young gun midfielder 4 weeks on the sidelines. Having debated the severity of the hit with my brother and my mate at the time, I felt it was late and, finally, agreed that it was to the back of the shoulder. Perhaps it deserved weeks for what it was, but 4? Every commentator (including my North Melbourne comrades) I have heard comment on the incident sees 4 weeks as excessive.

Following Cotchin’s hit, the free-kick, 50m penalty and Brent Harvey’s subsequent goal, not only did the tide seem to turn North Melbourne’s way in terms of ball dominance, but it seemed that the match-day umpires had chosen to punish Richmond for the hit. A free-kick count which had, prior to the Cotchin hit, seemed relatively even blew out in the end to 21 to 12 in North’s favour. Whether North lifted in response to the hit or it was simply a coincidence, Richmond did not threaten to come back for the remainder of the match.

This is not to say that we lost the day due to the umpires, rather we lost the day due to that desire and that pressure remaining absent from the Tigers’ game all day and seeming to grow quarter-by-quarter in the Kangaroos’ game as they marched away to a 50-point final deficit, Richmond 7, 11, (53) to North Melbourne 15, 13, (103).

Kangaroo Andrew Swallow was the game’s best, running hard and creating opportunities for the Kangaroo forwards which the Tiger forwards, I think, would have killed for. North’s young full-back Nathan Grima performed admirably on Jumping Jack, restricting him to 3.2 from 8 kicks with the help of several other Kangaroo defenders. To Jack’s credit, however, he was very accurate with the set shots he did take – particularly considering the weather conditions. Daniel Connors and Ben Cousins were Richmond’s best, working hard, running all day, though the effectiveness of their disposal reduced their impact on the game.

Hopefully, despite being without Daniel Jackson for his final week of suspension and Trent Cotchin for his first, we can show some more of that desire and pressure from Rounds 10-15 against the Pies this Saturday.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,27434764-5018851,00.html

Bree McAullay

Firstly it appears we were given a bum steer with the email address we were given
to voice our disapointment of no live game.

To the bloke’s credit at least he replied,said he would pass our concerns on.

Firstly is a piece from RFC website about our recruits in 2006,couldn’t agree more with the article these
guys are playing good footy,one of the reasons we are starting to have some success,
I must say our recruits this year have been pretty good.

While much has been made in the past of Richmond’s supposed shortcomings in the 2004 National Draft, the Tigers may just have hit the drafting jackpot a couple of years later.
The 2006 National Draft, which was Francis Jackson’s first as Richmond’s full-time Recruiting Manager, netted the Club Jack Riewoldt at pick 13 overall, Shane Edwards at pick 26, Daniel Connors at pick 58 and Andrew Collins at pick 73. In the 2006 Pre-season Draft, the Tigers selected Matthew White at pick five overall, while in that year’s Rookie Draft, they took Angus Graham with their first selection (pick five).
Those six players are all blossoming in 2010 under the first-year coaching guidance of Damien Hardwick . . .

Richmond will be on the lookout for a new major sponsor next year with Luxbet and Dick Smith
standing down,I am extremely confident with our form,and the steps we have taken forward we will
secure a very good sponsor.

A few changes for the game this week forced by injuries and suspension to Jacko.
Jayden Post is an inclusion and possibly another tall option up forward to support
Jack or down back with Astbury going forward.
I think it’s fair to say Jordan McMahon won’t play a Senior game for Richmond this
year,we could have got Callum Ward but traded for MCMahon.
Personally based on his form for the last 5 weeks,Jake King should stay,he has played pretty consistent footy.

Enjoy the game whenever you can watch it,I’ll be watching Fox at 7-30pm,no idea
when Seven are showing it.
Here are your live radio options,through your computer.
K-Rock
Triple M
3AW

Ben Cousins and Richard Tambling are among six inclusions for Richmond in its extended squad for Sunday’s match against North Melbourne.

The Tigers were forced to make three changes to the side which defeated Fremantle last week – Ben Griffiths and Ben Nason will miss through injury, while Daniel Jackson will serve the first of a two-week suspension.

Richmond takes on North Melbourne in the third annual Eureka Game, a tribute to the Eureka Spirit…Courage, Teamwork and Mateship.

The game is proudly presented by the City of Ballarat.

The trimmed 22-man team will be available at richmond_fc.com.au on Friday at 5pm.

Richmond v North Melbourne
Sunday April 18, MCG, 2.10pm

B: Newman, Thursfield, Astbury
HB: Tuck, Deledio, Connors
C: Webberley, Cousins, Edwards
HF: White, Riewoldt, Tambling
F: Nahas, Vickery, Collins
Foll: Graham, Cotchin, Martin
I/C (from): Moore, King, Farmer, McGuane, Post, Polo, Rance

In: Cousins, Tambling, McGuane, Post, Polo, Rance
Out: Griffiths (inj – shoulder), Nason (inj – general soreness), Jackson (suspension)

I take my hat off to our coaching staff.  I think with Mark Williams departing Port Adelaide yesterday they would be absolutely livid with their decision not to sign Hardwick last year. Essendon would be ruing the day they took Knights over Dimma aswell.  Their loss is definitely our gain.  Dimma is down on the boundary line riding every bump, tackle with our young players. He loves them they love him they are growing and learning together.  It is plain as day from we’re I sit that the players are playing for eachother and for the coach.  It is heartfelt, and heart warming to see that the club is united on this journey together. 

 I am really enjoying seeing our players develop so quickly. Edwards, Farmer, Nason, Cotchin, Martin, Griffiths, Astbury, Reiwoldt and even our captain Newman has improved.  His leadership over the past few weeks has been terrific. I had the pleasure of meeting a lot of our young players after the swans game. All were happy to speak with the fans and have their photos taken.  

Maybe I am getting a bit ahead of myself, but I always trust my instincts and my instincts tell me something wonderful is brewing at Tigerland.  In my 30 years of following the Tigers I have never felt that our club was in safe hands until now. I was impressed with Hardwick from the moment I heard his acceptance speach of the RFC coaching job. He is articulate, unassuming, and has natural leadership qualities.  Hardwick has an air of Sheedy about him. That air is the ability to develop kids and get the best out of them. I think he could very well be that career coach that Richmond has always needed. He could be that stability that the club has desperately searched for. If we can bring our young kids through together, with one coach like your Geelong’s and the Melbourne Storm then I think sustained success could be achievable. That 11th premiership a realisitc goal.   These kids are not the Tigers of old, but the exciting Tigers of today.  They are creating their own positive culture, learning and developing. A lot comes from working hard, playing tough team first football. I’m loving every moment of it…….EAT EM ALIVE!!!!

Bree McAullay ( Secretary STSG)

As the song says like the Tiger of Old we’re strong and we’re bold.
Richmond overcame a 33 point deficit midway through the third quarter to
record a gutsy 4 point win over the Sydney Swans.
A tremendous come from behind victory against a hardened side who rarely
give much away,so it speaks volumes for the steps forward these team has taken.

We have a young group who are evolving and embracing a game plan implemented
by Damien Hardwick which can be a blueprint for a successful era for the
Richmond Football Club.
Watching the game high up in the Ponsford Stand,you can see how the team
moves the ball,yes sometimes backwards,but it does give them the space to move the
ball upfield.

Also our zone defence allows us to prevent the opposition from bringing the ball
into our forward 50 too easily like we have done in the past,so some
great signs going forward.

But the Tigers win was just part of a great day,started with yours truly having
a run around the MCG in the Auslab Legends game,got a few touches,had a couple of
shots on goal,one courtesy of pass from Chris Naish,shaded the post,but had a great time
running around with Andrew Kellaway,Chris Naish,the Flea,Benny Gale.

Our team Auslab were winners 72-50,Sydney was also represented by Craig Smith,
ex Richmond player,who still looks extremely fit,and was outstanding through the midfield,
and Shev Shevki who kicked into me,we got a 50 for the ball being knocked out of my hand,I kicked to Andrew Kellaway,and we ended up kicking a goal which was nice.

Craig Smith lives on the Northen Beaches and hopes to get along to one of our
functions,he has 4 boys,one representing NSW in Under 15 AFL team,pity his wife
with all those boys.

So after getting through the game,up to the Ponsford Stand,where a few of the Sydney Tigers members who came down for the game were seated,I trust they enjoyed the game
as much as me.

I thought Richmond’s tackling and pressure was great all day,probably just in the third quarter,the Swans got a few guys loose and were able to build a lead,Adam Goodes
who was well held by Kelvin Moore most of the day,kicked a couple of goals.
So down by 14 points at three quarter time,the Tigers slowly clawed their way back,
with Andrew Collins,who I nicknamed twiggy,as in a twig as he is so slight,gets,knocked
out,comes back and kicks two goals on Malceski,outstanding.

The last goal with 2 minutes to go on the clock,the Tigers showed great compusure,
to hang on a win,and weren’t the Tigers army happy,a great elation at the end of the game,the Tigers song was belted out about 6 times.
The Richmond crowd was really great in sypporting the team,even up our hand where
there were most of the Swan supporters.

Some pleasing aspects of the Tigers win,9 goals from stoppages,we made 90 tackles
to Sydney’s 81,our tackling has improved dramatically.
Brett Deledio had 28 possessions after we all thought he was out for the game,Chris
Newman’s leadership inspiring,we are in good hands.
7 players had 20 possessions or more,Deldio 28,Connors 26,Astbury 21 his best game
for the year,Cousins 21(more on his conditon below)
Newman,Jackson and Moore all 20.

Jack Riewoldt 5 goals,spoke to him after the game,said you are a supesrtar,humbly he
said no I am not,Andrew Collins with 3 crucial goals.

But this was a great team effort everyone played well,and it is fantastic to see
how happy the players and Damien Hardwick aare after a win.

So a few beers with Bree at the after match function in the Harrison Room,all the players
came up,spoke to my old mate Nathan Foley,lovely bloke always has time
for you,Ty Vickery,said to say G’Day to uncle Pete,spoke to Andrew Collins,

So a great day all around.

We have Freo this wek,as an AFL lover,it was tragic to see Michael Barlow,break his leg,
he has been a great story,and to see him have such a bad injury is devastating from him,the way he was playing,I hope he can come back successfully.

The only sour note of the day,was the much loved Ben Cousins,ending up in Hospital.
Here is the latest news.
A COCKTAIL of caffeine, alcohol and sleeping pills may have caused troubled Tiger Ben Cousins’ dramatic collapse. Richmond is investigating the theory, and hopes the recovering drug addict will wake from sedation on Tuesday to explain himself.
But the club says he took no illicit drugs.
And while he may have taken multiple tablets, the club doesn’t believe he took a large number of them.
Cousins was in a stable condition in intensive care at Epworth Hospital on Monday night.
It emerged that Cousins had taken caffeine tablets before the club’s win over Sydney on Sunday, and that he had drunk several glasses of red wine that night.
He then took a number of prescribed sleeping tablets.

Let’s pray that Ben Cousins will be okay,and hopefully can make a comeback to footy
with the Tigers,where he has been outstanding,he has so much to offer.