Tommy Hafey Club Captains Call lunch Thursday 7th April 2016.

We often get asked, ”how do you keep coming up with such great themes”? And it has to be admitted, after 38 themed lunches, coming up with interesting and entertaining themes is a challenge.

But in the Maurice Rioli room on 7th April, we can confidently say “we did it again thanks to Kevin Sheedy, Kevin Bartlett, Chris Newman, Kane Johnson, Dale Weightman, David Cloke, Bryan Wood, Ron Branton and Trent Cotchin. All (excluding Trent) former Captains who were wonderful players and great ambassadors for the game and our Club.

We were thrilled when Sheeds agreed to MC the function and he did not disappoint, with a sparkling performance culminating in a sensational one on one with KB when the two went head to head trying to up-stage each other.

Proceedings kicked off with Sheeds and Trent Cotchin, an interview during which Sheeds did not hold back, and to his credit Trent was up to the challenge and clearly demonstrated why he is our Captain.

Our oldest living Captain, Ron Branton, was in excellent form with clear recall of his playing days in   the 1950’s and 60’s. Ron was an exceptional player during a period when the Tigers were an all too regular bottom 4 side. His final year saw him Captain a night premiership, come equal second in the Brownlow and take out the Tigers best and fairest award. Then at the peak of his form, he left to coach Myrtleford and secure his future. Ron attends all THC functions and is a popular presence at Tigerland.

Next up were Bryan Wood and David Cloke. Bryan was a triple premiership player at Richmond who  joined Sheeds at Essendon where he enjoyed premiership success in 1985 before continuing as Sheeds runner after a decorated playing career.

After premiership success at Tigerland in 1974 and 1980, David was Captain in 1982, the last time the Tigers have featured in a grand final. He then made the controversial switch to Collingwood, where he enjoyed a successful career before returning to the Tigers to help KB and his young cubs, climaxing a brilliant career by kicking 8 goals in his final match, even sweeter because it was against Carlton and a rare Tiger win!!

In the absence of 1980 premiership Captain Bruce Monteath, Mike Perry conducted a roving mike interview with his son Rhys before Sheeds introduced the final panel, Kane Johnson, Chris Newman and Dale Weightman.
Dale Weightman is rightly recognised as a great Tiger player spanning 15 years but he is also a full-time employee of the RFC and as such has been a continuous presence at Punt Road for close to forty years, a truly remarkable achievement.

Kane Johnson grew up in a Tiger household but was drafted by Adelaide where he enjoyed premiership success before engineering a trade back to Richmond where he resumed his love affair with the Tigers, became a key player and Captain, before handing over the reins to Chris Newman in 2009.

Chris was an inspiring player and Captain who eventually became the oldest AFL player not to play in a finals series but then enjoyed the experience of three final series in a row before retiring to pursue a coaching career. He is currently a development coach at Hawthorn.

After paying tribute to the 18 living players who acted as Captain when the appointed Captain was either out injured or suspended or on interstate duty, the day ended with an amazing double-act between Sheeds and KB. It’s impossible to write about it other than to say there’s never been more laughter and hilarity than these two legends produced. Priceless, and for the fortunate people in attendance, an unforgettable experience.

Yet again it proved the point, don’t miss a THC function or you’ll miss something special.

Tuesday evening, December 4th MEBank Centre, Punt Road. The scene was set for the gathering of the THC faithful for the annual, end of year member cocktail party and THC Award presentation.

By 6:45pm, more than 100 members and guests had gathered in the Maurice Rioli room to enjoy fine finger food and free flowing beverages. MC for the night, THC Vice President Mike Perry welcomed patron Tommy and Maureen, members and guests and invited THC President Rob Edgley to speak about the year. Rob outlined the following achievements:
• Significant sponsorship signed with The Outdoor Furniture Specialists,
• $10,000 donation to the Richmond FP&OA,
• $30,000 donation to the Fighting Tiger Fund,
• Contributed to and facilitated the purchase of Richo  Roach original oil painting for $15,000 and donated to RFC,
• 3 fantastic functions which provided many people with some wonderful memories,
• 3 functions held at the ME Bank Centre which also assisted the profitability of the RFC,
• Player sponsorship of Alex Rance $1,250,
• Paid for restoration of old Tiger skin (funds provided from donations received from Save Our Skins function in 2010).

CEO Brendon Gale provided an inner sanctum view of developments at Punt Road, in particular the importance of the Fighting Tiger Fund in delivering the vital football department and ground improvements which will allow the Tigers to match it with the best in the competition.

Brendon was followed by Tommy Hafey who delivered a typically robust and positive view of life and football before announcing his choice as the 2012 THC Award winner, RFC patron the Hon. Peter Nixon AD. Peter was one of Australia’s longest serving ministers in the Australian parliament, a Tiger supporter since childhood and an inaugural Commissioner of the VFL/AFL. Peter was overwhelmed to receive the award from Tommy and most gracious in his acceptance speech.

More food and drinks followed, the raffle was drawn and finally it was time to wend our way home. Another great THC function and fitting finale to a successful 10th year.

Let’s hope the Tigers crack the eight in 2013.

Award Function Report

The 2015 member cocktail and THC Award function was held on Wednesday 2^nd December in the Maurice Rioli room at Punt Road. Once again it was well supported by members many of whom brought guests for the first time.

President Rob Edgley opened proceedings with a brief history of THC functions since the Club began in 2003, with 37 lunch and 13 member functions making this the 50^th function to be organised in the 13 year period. During that time THC contributions to the RFC have exceeded $200,000. Rob gave a brief outline of the 2015 functions and a hint that next year would almost certainly see a major function dedicated to Tommy.

THC patron Maureen Hafey was then joined by Matthew Richardson to present the 2015 THC Award. This was awarded to Chris Newman in recognition of his wonderful contribution to the RFC over 15 years during which he captained the Tigers for 4 years and played a total of 268 games. The THC Award is an annual award made to the person deemed to have made a significant contribution to the Richmond FC and demonstrated Tommy’s 4 golden D’s: that Dedication, Discipline, Determination and Desire will deliver your Destiny. Maureen presented Chris with the bronze bust trophy of Tommy and Matthew then engaged Chris in a lively and entertaining interview about his playing career and finished by wishing him every success in his new position as Development Coach at Hawthorn.

Michael Perry then introduced the new players recruited during the trade period, Chris Yarran, Jacob Townsend and Andrew Moore, and conducted a Q & A with each. Chris, an established AFL player with over 100 games played with Carlton, joins the Tigers as a rebounding defender, Jacob an initial GWS draftee arrives with a reputation for being fierce at the contest and Andrew, brother of former Tiger Kelvin, comes to Richmond from Port Adelaide as a hard bodied, mature footballer. All boys spoke well and were enthusiastic about joining the Tigers and optimistic about 2016.

Maureen and Bobby Phillips assisted Mike in drawing the raffle, which ended formal proceedings.

Once again the catering staff at the Maurice Rioli room provided a wonderful spread of finger food, and the boys at the bar were kept busy replenishing empty glasses.

As has become a feature of these functions, there was a warm, friendly atmosphere in the room and no one was in a hurry to go home.

If you’re reading this and haven’t re-joined the THC please do so as soon as possible since your support keeps the flame of Tommy alive and contributes to the on-going success of the Club we love, Richmond.

And if you aren’t a THC member, please join now ! Click here...

Venue: ME Bank Centre, Maurice Rioli Room, Punt Road, Richmond.
Time: 6:30pm for 6:45pm start until 9pm.
Cost: Free to all 2014 financial THC members.
Members are encouraged to bring non-member guests for a nominal charge of $50. If they join on the night, this charge is waived and membership fee reduced to $100.

RSVP: By COB Thursday 27th November 2014 to:
Debbie Beams on 0413 964 689
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Mail: Debbie Beams, 18 Davison Street, Richmond, VIC. 3121

Format of the evening:
· Welcome and review of THC functions in 2014
· Outline plans for 2015.
· Presentation of 2014 THC Award.
· Interviews with Football Department and current playing list representatives.
· Drinks and finger food will be served.

Phone: Debbie Beams on 0413 964 689

Click here to dowload the Invitation

Richmond celebrated 50 years of the prestigious Jack Dyer Medal at its Homecoming event in July.

The Tigers’ coveted Best and Fairest award, which was named the Jack Dyer Medal in 1964, had its 50th winner in 2014 (current captain Trent Cotchin).

In the last five decades, some of the Club’s greatest names have reached the pinnacle in Yellow and Black football performance. Kevin Bartlett, Royce Hart, Geoff Raines, Maurice Rioli, Dale Weightman, Wayne Campbell, Matthew Richardson, Brett Deledio and Cotchin are just a few.

Jack Dyer himself won six Best and Fairest awards during the 1930s and 40s, including four-in-a-row from 1937-40. When the award was named after him, Richmond Hall of Fame member Neville Crowe was the first recipient, in 1964. However, actual Jack Dyer Medals were not handed out until 1977.

At the Club’s Homecoming extravaganza on Saturday, July 11, the eight players who won the Tigers’ Best and Fairest in those years were presented with retrospective medals:

1964 – Neville Crowe
1965 – Bill Barrot
1966 – Neville Crowe
1967 – Kevin Bartlett
1968 – Kevin Bartlett
1969 – Royce Hart
1970 – Francis Bourke
1971 – Ian Stewart
1972 – Royce Hart
1973 – Kevin Bartlett
1974 – Kevin Bartlett
1975 – Kevin Morris
1976 – Kevin Sheedy

A night not to be missed, the Homecoming gala event will feature a celebration of Richmond's rich history.  Every former Tiger player will be invited to attend the event, and all current players will be in attendance.

Date: Saturday, July 11, 2015
Time: 6.30pm-midnight
Venue: Plenary, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

At Richmond's Homecoming event on July 11, Richmond will add the latest inductees into its Hall of Fame.
42 Tiger players have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, and five have achieved Immortal status.

Richmond Immortals:
Jack Dyer
Tommy Hafey
Kevin Bartlett
Francis Bourke
Royce Hart

Richmond paid special tribute to its former players, who left an indelible mark at Tigerland, with a home-game theme for MCG games.  The 'Homecoming Hero' is designed to publicly recognise the mighty deeds of those who wore the famous Yellow and Black jumper with such distinction.  The Homecoming Hero walks from the centre of the ground to the Punt Road end, where he is acclaimed by the Tiger Army.  He then proceeds to kick a ceremonial goal, before signing the ball and giving it to a Richmond fan in the crowd.

Previous Homecoming Heroes:

In the lead-up to the 2015 Richmond Homecoming gala event, richmondfc.com.au paid tribute to its rich history. This season marks 50 years of the Tigers playing at the MCG. Over the years, there have been priceless memories made at the home of football.  We've hand picked the most memorable moments.  Click on the image below to uncover each moment.

They provide the sons who bring glory to the yellow and black.
They nurture young talent until it can blossom on the mighty MCG.
They feed our boys, clothe them and nurture them through thick and thin.
They are our loyal behind the scenes workers and supporters.
They know their footy inside out.
They are the women of Richmond.
And for far too long they have gone unrecognised.

The Tommy Hafey Club, supported by our patron Maureen Hafey, Richmond President Peggy O’Neal and MC Caroline Wilson, invite you to attend this very special function. One that recognises the tremendous contribution Richmond women have made and continue to make, to our great Club.

We’ve heard from premiership players, coaches and administrators over the years, now let’s hear from Jan Richmond, Caroline Wilson, Kerrie Bourke, Denise Bartlett, Nanette Malthouse, Fay Tuck, Cheryl Critchley, Liam McBean’s mum Maree, Jane Gale, plus a panel of wives, partners and mothers of the current playing and coaching group .

We’ll get an up-to-date report on the playing group from football operations manager Dan Richardson. And being a full training day at Punt Road, you can watch the boys go through their paces from the Maurice Rioli Room and hear from some of them as they come off the track. This is a day for the man to bring his lady and for all Tiger women to come out in force to celebrate the women of Richmond.

Tickets are limited so reply early. The Tommy Hafey Club supports Richmond and Richmond Former Players and Officials Association.

Phone: Debbie Beams on 0413 964 689

Click here to dowload the Invitation

Hafey Years function report.

What an amazing function! KB at his scintillating best. Honestly, if you haven’t been to a function with KB as MC you have seriously missed out and should make attendance at the next one he hosts an absolute MUST!

The theme of course resonated with the Tommy Hafey Club as we celebrated 10 years and on this occasion, our 33^rd official luncheon function. The Hafey Years, a golden era for the Richmond Football Club, which saw the Tigers, perennial cellar dwellers prior to 1966, play finals 8 times for 4 premierships in a remarkable 11 years, and Tommy enjoy an almost 70% winning record in the 248 games he coached.

The function traced the period in four stages with a panel of guests relating their experiences and memories of those heady days:

1. i)the period 1963-67 saw a new dynamic take hold at Punt Road where the foundations for sustained success were laid and the first dividend paid with the 1967 premiership; panellists Les Flintoff (recruiting), Barry Stanton (fitness and conditioning), Ian Wilson (administration) and Tommy (coaching) were questioned at length by KB about this crucial formative period, culminating in the ’67 flag;
2. ii)1968-69 saw a premiership hang-over in ’68 followed by a second premiership in ’69; panellists Michael Green (premiership ruckman), Roger Dean (captain) and Tommy (coach) recalled the barnstorming finish to season ’69 and the great grand final victory over Carlton;
3. iii)1970-73 was a turbulent period during which the Tigers established the “us” versus ‘them” mantra and developed a ruthless reputation for being the bully boys of the competition; panellists Ricky McLean, Robbie McGhie and Tommy re-lived the bitter defeat in ’72 and the marvellous revenge of ’73, the first of the back-to-back flags;
4. iv)1974-76 saw another premiership, a slip down the ladder and Tommy resign at the end of the ’76 season; panellists Barry Richardson, Francis Bourke and Tommy talked candidly about this period and the enduring affection for Tommy from his players.

As if this wasn’t enough, the function was addressed by RFC CEO Brendon Gale, RFC Development Coach Greg Mellor, witnessed the official launch of great Tiger supporter Peter Nixon’s book, The Peter Nixon Story, featured interviews with THC sponsored player Alex Rance, with father and son Kevin and Steven Morris, a special segment devoted to THC main sponsor The Outdoor Furniture Specialists, and the auctioning of two magnificent items, one a 2 metre high original oil painting of Richo and Roachy soaring high for their famous marks with the Jack Dyer stand in the background, the other a boxed set of replica premiership cups for ’67, ’69, ’73 & ’74 (which sold for $2,200). The painting sold for $15,000 (purchased by a syndicate of generous supporters[1]) and was immediately donated back to the RFC where discussions are continuing as to where it will be permanently hung. Limited edition prints of the original painting are available for $395 (contact Bruce Smith on 0412 596 883).

KB held the audience of some 250 attendees in raptures throughout a memorable day which was recorded on DVD for posterity. (Copies of which can also be obtained by contacting Bruce Smith for a fee of $30 including postage).

And how good is it to be back at Punt Road in the Maurice Rioli room at the new ME Bank facility? It’s just fabulous to be “home” at Punt Road and to have access to the bar at the conclusion of formal proceedings provides a great opportunity to catch up with friends and colleagues and to savour the day in full.

In conclusion, the Tommy Hafey Club thanks major sponsor The Outdoor Furniture Specialists stores in Nunawading and Springvale as well as support sponsors Peter Lehman wines, the Malvern Hotel (www.themalvern.com) and Esprit Limousines (call Nick on 1300 132 503).

Click Here to view the photo gallery.

Click Here to view details of all our previous events.

Tiger 200 Club function report.

What a great function!

Great attendance, just under 300 guests (which meant the room was nearly full!)

Great theme. All but a few of the living members of the Tiger 200 Club were present.

Great MC. Matthew Richardson was simply terrific. What a media future he has to look forward to. We were indeed privileged to have him as MC.

Great venue. How good is it to be back at Punt Road in the new ME Bank facility? It felt like we’d come home, and access to the bar at the conclusion of formal proceedings saw many guests linger and savour the day in full.

We can claim with little fear of contradiction that the first function of the 10^th year of the THC was a great success.

THC Vice President Michael Perry welcomed guests, especially:

• the Hon. Peter Nixon AD,
• former RFC Presidents Ian Wilson, Neville Crowe and Bill Durham,
• inaugural President of the Tommy Hafey Club Rob Slade,
• President of the North Cairns Tigers Brett Potter,
• President of the Maryborough FC Kelvin Noonan,
• Triple Best and Fairest winner, captain of the Tigers from 1960 to 1962 and Brownlow Medal runner-up in 1962 Ron Branton,
• and Barry Michael who won the IBF super featherweight title in 1985 and successfully defended it the same year.

Mike also thanked sponsors Peter Lehman wines, Malvern Hotel and Esprit Limousines before announcing the new major THC sponsor for 2012 The Outdoor Furniture Specialists stores in Nunawading and Springvale. There’s a great connection between these OFS stores and the THC with co-owner Murray Rance and THC sponsored player Alex Rance. We look forward to a positive relationship between TOFS and the THC in 2012.

There were apologies from some of the Tiger 200 Club. Dick Clay was overseas, Jimmy Jess was fishing, General Mark Lee has just had hip surgery and couldn’t fly, Mervyn Keane was sent to Perth on an Essendon recruiting trip, Kevin Sheedy and Matthew Knights had coaching duties for GWS and Geelong VFL respectively, and KB had SEN commitments.

Gary March spoke enthusiastically about the significance of the function and the encouraging progress the Tigers are making both on and off-field.

A new segment, the Mystery Player Award, was introduced and saw the return of Brian Morrison to Tigerland. Brian played 8 senior games for the Tigers in 1960 before choosing the more lucrative career of shearing, at which he excelled being named Australian sheep shearing champion in 1967 and 1968 and in 1972 breaking the world record by shearing 410 Merino sheep in one day.

The Tiger 200 Club was splendidly represented on the day by:

• Darren Gaspar,
• Francis Bourke,
• Bryan Wood,
• Wayne Campbell,
• Dale Weightman,
• Joel Bowden,
• Matthew Richardson,
• Roger Dean,
• David Cloke,
• Michael Roach,
• And current RFC CEO Brendon Gale.

Matthew Richardson interviewed RFC Captain Chris Newman who is scheduled to become the 24^th player to play 200 games for the Tigers in round 8.

Matthew and Mike acknowledged the deceased members of the Tiger 200 Club, Jack Dyer, Jack Titus, Percy Bentley, Kevin O’Neill and Vic Thorp.

The function was recorded on DVD.

The theme of the second THC function needs no introduction.  On Friday 11 July the THC held a tribute to  two of Richmond's most successful (five premierships each!) and loved players of all time, Kevin Bartlett and Francis Bourke.  

To celebrate this special occasion, the function was held in the evening in the Plaza Ballroom at the Regent Theatre, Collins Street, Melbourne (7pm for a 7.30pm start).  There were other team mates from those five premierships in attendance.

There was be a special tribute to Tommy at this function as well.

Needless to say, it was an extremely popular function and tickets sold out quickly.

Click here to view the photo gallery.

Click here to view details of all our previous events.

The inaugural RFC Hall of Fame was held in March 2002 when 24 honoured players, coaches, servants and administrators were inducted. Each year since, a minimum of three inductees have been inducted into the Club’s Hall of Fame.

The criteria for Hall of Fame induction is based on the deemed valuable service an individual provides to the Club in a key on-field/off-field capacity over many years, and is decided each year by the Club’s Historical Group.

Richmond has a proud, rich heritage and at the Tommy Hafey Club hosted Richmond Hall of Fame function on August 19th 2011, tribute was paid to three more wonderful Tiger servants who were duly inducted.

Club President Gary March welcomed over 300 guests at the Plaza Ballroom Regent Theatre, and then paid tribute to Mr David Mandie, who had sadly passed away during the week. Mr Mandie had been a magnificent supporter of the Richmond Football Club since he saw his first game in 1923, a victory over Melbourne. Fittingly, the last match he saw his beloved Tigers play also resulted in a win (against the Fremantle Dockers earlier in the season).

MC for the day Kevin Barlett announced the first inductee, Joe Murdoch, a strong, rugged defender, who carved out an impressive 10-year career at Richmond from 1927-36. Murdoch was a key member of Richmond’s 1932 and 1934 premiership sides. Joe’s son, George Murdoch accepted the induction on behalf of the now deceased Joe. George regaled the audience with a number of personal and humorous anecdotes about his father, especially the ones which portrayed Joe as one who was never overshadowed by the great Jack Dyer. The Murdoch family were out in force to celebrate Joe’s induction, accounting for four full tables!

Following a splendid main course, the inimitable Phil deFegely conducted a spirited auction, after which KB had an excellent interview with Damien Hardwick.

KB then introduced the second inductee for the day, John Northey. A lightly-built half-forward-flanker, who earned the nickname ‘Swooper’ due to his ability to swoop on the loose ball in Richmond’s forward line and make something happen, John was the epitome of the opportunist half-forward, needing only a few possessions to swing a game. Possessing fine ball-handling skills, an uncanny goal sense, and a clever football brain, Swooper played a vital role in the Tigers’ 1967 and 1969 premiership sides, before departing Punt Road at the end of the 1970 season to take up a coaching role interstate. He subsequently returned to the Club as senior coach in the early 1990s, guiding the Tigers to their first finals campaign in more than a decade (1995). John was present to accept his induction from KB.

The third inductee was Matthew Knights, and a very popular choice he was. A classy left-foot midfielder, ‘Knighter’ enjoyed a stellar 15-season career with Richmond. He was still a teenager when he won the first of his two Jack Dyer Medals, and went on to captain the Tigers from 1997-2000.
The highlight of his illustrious playing career was undoubtedly Richmond’s sensational come-from-behind victory over Essendon in the cut-throat 1995 second semi-final, where he single-handedly kept the Tigers in the contest during the first half, scoring three of the team’s four goals, including one gem, which ranks right up there as one of the best in Yellow and Black history.

‘Knighter’ was a ‘ball-magnet’, racking up possessions seemingly at will, and delivering to teammates by hand or foot with the utmost precision. His creativity, along with his ability to weave out of trouble on the field, and all-round silky-smooth style of play, made him a long-time favorite son of the Tiger Army. Matthew was present to accept his induction from KB.

Wrapping up the day a dubious panel of Hafey Heroes joined Tommy on stage for a bit of a roast led by MC KB, to celebrate the great coaches 80th birthday. Michael Green, Kevin Sheedy and Neil Balme related many humorous (and some not so funny) recollections of the days when Tommy introduced one of the toughest training regimes the game had seen. But what dividends did it pay!! And how they all loved him!! Balmey presented Tommy with a cake and Maureen joined him on stage in recognition of the fabulous support she provided during Tommy’s coaching career.

The day concluded with a rousing rendition of Yellow and Black.