As Brendon Gale very aptly put it "Its time to repay a debt of gratitude" and that is what 500 people gathered to do at the first Tommy Hafey Club lunch for 2011. The testimonial lunch for Crowey was embraced by tiger supporters of all generations with everyone keen to contribute towards making the day a special piece of Tiger history for all concerned.

The Tommy Hafey Club would like to thank the many people who attended the event, who donated to the Neville Crowe Testimonial Fund, who donated auction items and who donated their time to entertain us all at what has been described as a wonderful day for a wonderful cause.

Panelists such as Bobby Skilton, Murray Weideman, Pat Stone, Tony Jewell, Tommy Hafey and Bill Meaklim were all kept on their toes with probing questions about their days with Crowey by our two MC's for the day, Rex Hunt and Sam Kekovich. The day followed the career of Crowey from his playing days to his coaching role in the 1980 Premiership year through to his time as President of the RFC and the "save our skins" campaign.

A replay of an interview with Crowey conducted by none other than Jack Dyer on chanel 7's "World of Sport" enthralled all present as it led into our own replica "world of sport" panel with Bobby Skilton, Murray Weideman Sam Kekovich and Rex Hunt where the laughs continued for quite some time! We were also priviledged to hear some very heartfelt words from Dr David Marsh, Valy Crowe and Crowey himself. The auction items and the results gained from the auction were nothing short of sensational and we look forward to announcing the grand total of money raised for the Testimonial fund in the near future.

As the Tigers song was sung with gusto, and friends from many era's caught up to relive a few yarns about Crowey, we all felt that we had been extremely lucky to have been present on this day where we were able to do just a little to repay the man who had done so much for us all!

Over 100 members and guests crowded the gymnasium in the Jack Dyer stand at Punt Road on Wednesday night (November 25th) to congratulate the 2009 Tommy Hafey Club Award winner Rex Hunt. Decided and presented by Tommy himself, the Award recognizes the Richmond person he believes has best exemplified his golden rules, that “dedication, determination, discipline and desire will deliver your destiny”.

Having given his time free to MC all but two of the 20 THC business lunches since its’ inception in 2003, Rex leaves a legacy that will be extremely difficult to emulate. His passion for the yellow and black knows no bounds and his dedication to the THC has helped create a reputation for presenting among the best football business networking lunches going around. Rex moves on from 3AW and from the THC to a new set of challenges which he will undoubtedly meet with the full on commitment and drive he personifies.

President Bruce Smith summed up 2009 and outlined the program for 2010. Members and guests were also addressed by the Tigers new senior coach Damien Hardwick who left no one in any doubt that the Tigers will be fully fit and competitive in 2010 and following a game plan designed to win a premiership. How long it takes to find the players capable of executing the game plan to deliver the ultimate prize remains the unknown factor. THC sponsored player Alex Rance, entering his third season as a Tiger, engaged in a spirited Q & A with MC Michael Perry.

With a core membership of 250 financial members, the THC provides a forum for professional and business Tiger supporters to enjoy 5 star hospitality and entertainment at four networking functions through the footy season.

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In spite of a deeply depressing footy season for Tiger supporters, spirits were momentarily restored at this highly entertaining lunch.

Rex was back and in fine form. Greg Champion crooned and strummed his way through a program of Tiger themed songs including a special rendition of “Kathleen” in honour of our guest of honour, Kathleen Dunne. 89 year old Kathleen, Tiger supporter since 1947, had rocketed to media fame following her spirited welcome to new senior coach Damien Hardwick at the media conference announcing his appointment earlier in the week. 

We also paid tribute to recently retired Tiger champion Joel Bowden and were wonderfully entertained by our special “Boys From The Bush” guests. 

Mike Perry welcomed everyone in his customary way, introduced Rex who conducted a spirited interview with Tommy Hafey about his days in the bush and his triple premiership success with Shepparton. Tommy spoke with his usual passion and it was clear how pivotal the “bush” experience was to his later success at Punt Road.

Inimitable auctioneer Phil DeFegely coaxed maximum contributions for the auction items which included a genuine Akubra hat signed by all the special guests, a terrific ‘69 premiership item (the 40th anniversary of that wonderful day in 1969) and a beautiful montage of Joel Bowden’s playing career, signed by Joel (and part auctioned by Joel!).

Barry Richardson, the boy from Barnawatha, related how being offered the number 17 jumper by Jack Dyer clinched his signature.

Johnny Northey recalled the 1995 semi final win over Essendon as his finest as coach of the Tigers.

Eric Leech reminded everyone where Tyntynder is and John Perry spoke fondly of his family connection with the famous Strangs.

Joel Bowden won the hearts of all the ladies with his tribute to the silent support of the Mums, sisters and girlfriends/wives of AFL players. 

Phil Egan spoke with feeling about his Aboriginal origins and the positive affect of former Carlton great John James.

David Honybun delivered a geography lesson in pointing out where Coleambally is located and reminded the great Tommy Hafey of a visit to the Honybun farm.And Scotty Turner nominated his best match as the ’95 semi final win and his best coach as Swooper Northey. He also has a young boy showing real promise with Ararat.

Once again the food and service at Zinc was exemplary and the Yalumba wines the perfect accompaniment. With the support of the FP&OA and the RFC event staff lead by Kristi Ogston and Kaliste Fordham, the THC kicked another major for the mighty Tigers.

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From the moment guests entered the magnificent Savoy Ballroom at the Grand Hyatt to the sounds of the 1950s, they sensed this was going to be a special night. And when the Bobby Valentine Big Band hit up, the room positively lit up! But when the wonderful Wendy Stapleton hit the floor with her superb Dusty Springfield set, the dance floor positively rocked!

Celebrating 50 years is a significant achievement and the Richmond Former Players and Officials Association in conjunction with the Tommy Hafey Club, were determined this would be a memorable celebration.

FP&OA President Mike Perry welcomed guests and introduced former champion Benny Gale who spoke earnestly about the importance of a strong former player and official association to the health of the club.

What then followed was a the first of series of pre-recorded video interviews with former players and officials recalling their first impressions of Punt Road, career  highs and lows and some very tall tales. Mal Brown’s account of the build up to his first game with the Tigers brought the house down as well as bringing back some wonderful memories of the great Graeme Richmond. The Whales training tricks and Ray Jordan’s national service exploits were very funny contributions.

Rex Hunt gave an inspired account of his most treasured memories of Tigerland, and made a special appeal to the present day players to embrace the proud history and tradition of the Richmond Football Club.

The food and wine were enjoyed by all and the Bobby Valentine Big Band continued to lure couples onto the dance floor.

The evening was punctuated by a live auction conducted by the incomparable Phil de Fegely, while the more sedate “silent” auction (organised by Michael Bourke from Memorabilia Magic) did steady business in the background.

The night was capped off by another super performance by Kevin Bartlett. Having called the Essendon Sydney game for SEN in Sydney that afternoon, KB had come straight to the Grand Hyatt from the airport to join the celebrations. And he was in cracking good form, entertaining everyone with his humorous anecdotes and recollections of his many years at Punt Road.

The party wound up for most at midnight, but not for all as reports continued to come in after the event of serious “kicking on” by some serious “players”. A night to remember it was indeed!

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The Members Awards Night held on the 26th of November at the RFC Social Club was a great success. 

Timed to precede the end of year Christmas social season and to coincide with the national draft, this function has developed a further attraction with the announcement and presentation of the annual Tommy Hafey Club Award, awarded annually by Tommy to the Richmond person who in his opinion has best demonstrated his golden rules of determination, dedication, discipline and desire in pursuit of their service to the Tommy Hafey Club and the RFC. Previous winners have included Wayne Campbell, Michael Perry and Bruce Smith. 

The inaugural winner Wayne Campbell presented the award to a gobsmacked Neville Crowe. Crowey was the MC on the night, had introduced Wayne to make the announcement and presentation, and had no idea he was to be the recipient. Every Tiger supporter knows what a magnificent contribution Neville has made to the Richmond Football Club over a 50 year period as player, official and employee. Few, however, know what a pivotal role he played in the formation and initial success of the Tommy Hafey Club. It would be true to say that without Neville’s determination and persistence, the Tommy Hafey Club may well never have got off the ground. So for all he has done for Richmond over half a century and for the very special role he played in the formation of the Tommy Hafey Club and for the marvellous support he has since provided, Crowey was warmly and enthusiastically applauded as a most popular and worthy winner of the 2008 Tommy Hafey Club Award.

RFC President Gary March addressed the more than 100 members and guests in attendance with positive words and expectations for Tiger fortunes in 2009. Craig Cameron, General Manager Football, spoke about the upcoming national draft and what the Tigers were looking for, which prompted a spirited session of Q & A including a question about the possible recruiting of Ben Cousins!

Neville Crowe then interviewed Tommy Hafey Club sponsored player Alex Rance, who spoke enthusiastically and realistically about his first year at Punt Road and his expectations for 2009. Alex’s dad, Murray had a distinguished career with the Western Bulldogs before returning to his home state where he captained the West Coast Eagles. Alex therefore has a great footy pedigree plus he carries Tommy’s old number (18) and shows every sign of being a 10+ year Tiger champion. 

The night was memorable for the serving of a new brew of Richmond Lager, courtesy of one of our sponsors, Hotel Spencer, and most if not all rated the brew a great taste! Michelle Peric did a mighty job catering for healthy appetites and fastidious tastes, ensuring that everyone went home feeling satisfied in every respect.

We’ve been saying for the last two years that it would be the last time we’d be holding this event in the Richmond Social Club but now that the building permit has been approved for the commencement of the Punt Road re-development, it now seems certain that this was indeed the last time. 

So next year we’ll be in a new venue. Don’t miss this night; it’s a great way to wrap up the Tommy Hafey Club year.

Kevin Bartlett had the 400 strong audience in stitches at the Tommy Hafey Clubs 1980 premiership celebration on Friday April 3rd at Zinc on Federation Square.

Notwithstanding the mood of gloom brought on by the opening match debacle, and the thunder and lightening outside, the new venue, new season and new MC all promised an exciting opening to the THC luncheon season.

And the effervescent KB didn’t let us down. In scintillating form, he entertained THC members, their guests and the 1980 premiership team with a continuous stream of humorous anecdotes of his playing career and the 1980 premiership team members.

A major auction item was a beautifully framed photo of Michael Roach taking the 1979 Mark of the Year. KB was quick to point out that the only other Richmond player in the photo was number 29 who had run 100 yards screaming to Michael to handball it to him. The end result was the mark of the year, another Roach goal and a (tongue in cheek of course) accusation by KB that Cisco had been selfish not to handball to him.

Talking of handball, KB was also adamant that the video highlight of him handballing during the 1980 grand final had never happened and was the product of modern day digital editing which had in fact played a mean trick by  superimposing his head on Dale Weightman’s shoulders. Needless to say, the audience was crying with laughter by this stage.

THC Vice President Michael Perry opened proceedings with a welcome to everyone, an apology from Peter Nixon and a cherrio to David Mandie, RFC number 1 ticket holder, who was unwell and unable to attend the lunch; the first one he’d missed.

Mike then announced the VIP table winner, a $500 dining voucher to dine at Hotel Spencer courtesy of Rob and Gary Edgley. Regular THC lunch attendee Garry Edwards’ table was the lucky winner. 

RFC senior coach Terry Wallace then spoke and asked for all supporters to judge the team on the next 4 weeks, not on round one’s performance. He introduced and interviewed 2008 draftees Tyrone Vickery and Jadyn Post and then invited THC sponsored player Alex Rance to the stage. Alex spoke about the thrill of being selected to play his first senior AFL game (against Geelong) and paid a warm tribute to the THC for helping make him welcome at Punt Road. Alex is the son of former Bulldog and West Coast player Murray Rance, and destined to a long and distinguished career in the yellow and black.

RFC President Gary March then spoke of the strength of the club off-field, paying special tribute to Stephen Wright and his team for astute management of the club’s finances, highlighting the record membership and emphasising the exciting re-development of Punt Road.

Mike Perry then introduced Kevin Bartlett who introduced the 1980 team with many humorous anecdotes. Special video highlights of all the players accompanied their journey to the stage where AFL Premiership Club President Brian Dixon (five time Melbourne premiership player) inducted the players into the AFL Premiership Club and presented their AFL premiership club trophy.

Tiger diehard and world acclaimed photographer Wayne Quillam took photographs of the team and the day’s proceedings.

Tony Jewell and Kevin Bartlett then paid tribute to the two deceased members of the 1980 premiership team, Peter (Woosha) Welsh and Terry (Brutus) Smith, both of whom played significant roles in the successful 1980 premiership campaign. 

Inimitable auctioneer Phil DeFegely coaxed maximum contributions for the five auction items, proceeds of which are going to the FP&OA Welfare Trust Fund, which helps old Tigers who fall on difficult times.

The final segment of the day saw Mike Perry announce the launch of both the Tommy Hafey Club and Former Player & Officials Association websites. These two sites are now “live” thanks to the superb design work of Tony Moran and the indefatigable work of THC committee member Hannah Hopper and FP&OA  committee member Trevor Poole. The Former Tigers website can be viewed @ www.formertigers.com.au

The food and service at Zinc was exemplary and the Yalumba wines went down a treat.

Once again, the THC with the support of the FP&OA and the RFC event staff lead by Kristi Ogston and Kaliste Fordham, had kicked a big goal for the mighty Tigers.

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