Rags to Riches
Tiger supporters embracing the move to the MCG 50 years ago!
Little did we Richmond faithful know that the transition from a cramped, muddy ground at Punt Rd, to the vast open spaces of the MCG would spark a successful and glorious era for the Richmond Football Club!
Punt Road Oval circa 1949
Under the Leadership of the then President, Ray Dunn - a forward thinking man of his time - the Club was to undergo a whole new administrative process. A new era of change swept in - over-hauling the recruitment program, training facilities and mentality of the Club. We fortunate Tiger fans were about to join the roller coaster ride which portrayed the middle 60's, 70's up to the 80's. Punt Rd Oval was used as the home ground by the Richmond Football Club in the Victorian Football Association (VFA) from 1885 to 1907,and it continued as the home ground when the Richmond Football Club joined the Victorian Football League (VFL) from 1908 up until 1964.
After the 1964 season the capacity of the venue was to be reduced to only 22,000, when much of the outer was lost to the widening of Punt Rd. by 50 feet, as Punt Rd was a notorious bottle neck. Richmond negotiated the move of its home games to the Melbourne Cricket Club ground starting from 1965. The last senior match was played at the venue on 22nd August, 1964 against Hawthorn. The Club retained its administration base and training facilities there. This was the new beginning for us! Having been steered by the late Len Smith in the right direction, our pathway to success was set in the right direction!
As devoted Tiger fans, we relished the move to the open space of the big "G", the opportunity to have seating, a rarity at Punt Rd and some shelter under stands. Not quite like it is now, with its palatial stands - it was a "rags to riches" experience moving to the Big Time at the MCG. It was a short walk in the Park from Punt Rd, our heartland across to the G. No interstate moves then!
M C G pre 1965
Under the guidance of our new coach, Tom Hafey - a new game plan evolved. Soon we were watching our heroes, the Magical centreline of Bourke, Barrot and Clay weaving their magic across the centre line. Hafey's new approach to the game - with tall wing players, long kicking and raking handball brought us our long yearned success!
Having tall forwards like the mercurial Hart at centre half forward, able to win a match off his own boot was exciting to watch. So many good players in a Team which had struggled for years! The move to the MCG was inspirational! A decision well ahead of its time, when local footy was played at the small, cramped, poorly facilitated local grounds.
The Richmond Football Club was way ahead of the times and we loved it! It was sensational to be there, from the time we were wooden spooners to the Premiers of the League. These times will come again and I am so glad that I am still a member of this great Club.
