The Storm On The Hill
The Storm On The Hill - Richmond vs Essendon – Round 7, 1974
Known as the “Windy Hill Brawl”, named after Essendon’s home ground, the fight started as the players were coming off the ground in their Round 7 Clash in 1974. According to reports from the game, the fight was started after Essendon runner Laurie Ashley gave a mouthful to Richmond player Mal Brown, unhappy with an earlier tangle between Brown and Essendon’s Graeme Jenkin. The words soon turned into fists as the all in brawl started in earnest, with several of the reserves getting involved in the fight as well, rushing from the bench to fight with the rest of their team mates. As Richmond players walked off for half time, angry Essendon fans threw beer cans and pies, in response Richmond player Kevin Morris re-emerged from the rooms to tip a bucket of water on Essendon fans in the stands. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9Ggf7PnebY In the ensuing brawl, which involved many players and officials, as Essendon fitness adviser was king hit and knocked unconscious, and Richmond player Brian Roberts sported a broken nose courtesy of Essendon defender Ron Andrews. In the fall out from the brawl, 4 players were suspended, as well as three officials in Tiger official Graeme Richmond, as well as Ashley and Bradley for Essendon. Richmond and young Richmond player Stephen Parsons were charged by the police for assault stemming from the brawl, however, they were later dropped in front of the Magistrates Court. Richmond ran out winners by ten points, and would go on to be the premiers for that year.
