One-Eyed Richmond Forum
Football => Richmond Rant => Topic started by: WilliamPowell on May 12, 2014, 06:28:02 PM
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Tigers mourn Tommy Hafey
richmondfc.com.au
May 12, 2014 6:14 PM
Richmond is mourning the passing of the greatest coach in its history, Tommy Hafey.
The four-time Tigers’ premiership coach died today after losing his battle with cancer.
Hafey, who also was named coach of Richmond’s Team of the Century in 1999, and is one of only five Tiger ‘Immortals’, was 82 years old.
“This is an extremely sad day in Richmond’s history, to have lost a giant of the Club in Tommy Hafey,” said Richmond’s CEO Brendon Gale.
“Tommy means so much to the Richmond Football Club. He has had an enormous influence on so many people connected with the Club.
“His coaching achievements at Tigerland are legendary, and he was a constant source of inspiration to the Yellow and Black.
“Tommy was a fine example of how to get the most out of life – his mantra of hard work, discipline, dedication, persistence, honesty, loyalty, integrity, good health and vitality, was not only the recipe for success on the football field, but success in his wonderful life.
“At this time, our thoughts are with Tommy’s wife Maureen, their children Rhonda, Karen and Jo, and the extended family.”
The Richmond Football Club will pay a special tribute to Tommy Hafey at Saturday’s game against Melbourne at the MCG, with details to be confirmed in the coming days.
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2014-05-12/tigers-mourn-tommy-hafey
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RIP my Tiger Hero :'(
No more pain, no more suffering. Rest peacefully Legend
Thank you Tommy
Condolences to Maureen and the entire Hafey family
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I'm so stuffin sad right now :-[
RIP Tommy, a true tiger Legend!!!!
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Shattered :'(
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T-Shirt Tommy.
An all time great.
RIP.
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Vale TH.
Richmonds Greatest Coach.
An innovator ahead of his time.
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He was my hero as I was growing up in the 60's and 70's.
There will never be another man like Tommy Hafey.
My condolences go out to the Hafey family.
RIP Tommy. A tiger immortal as he will live in the minds of all Richmond supporters for ever and a day.
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RIP Tommy Hafey.
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oh poo not good news :(
at least he can rest in peace now
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Our sincere condolences go out to the Hafey family Maureen, Children & extended family on the passing of the great legend Tommy Hafey. This man meant so much to me & was a true motivator & was a honor to meet & talk to him many times.
You will be missed by the whole of the Richmond football club community Tom. Cancer has taken a strong man & a true icon.
Thank you for all the joy & memories you brought to us supporting the club & all the premierships you worked hard to give the members & supporters. You will be sadly missed but forever remembered & honored. Rest in Peace :'( :'(
Vale Tommy Hafey :gotigers
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A true legend of the RFC. If this doesn't fire up the boys, nothing will.
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Truly an inspirational man that has impacted everyone he met.
My prayers and condolences to his family.
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I'm bummed now. Gone but not forgotten. I really don't know what to say.
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This is so very sad. My thoughts go out to the family. Tom was a hero to all Richmond supporters, he turned us into a super-power from the 60's & his influence went way beyond that. Anybody who ever met Tom would tell you what an outstanding gentleman he was, I had the pleasure of meeting him once & that very short 5 minutes with Tom left a huge impression on me. He was a true leader of men & an inspiration to all. RIP Tom. Sadly missed, always remembered. All time legend.
Now, lets see all of our boys take just a little bit of Tom's famous tenacity out onto the field with them & play hard to honor the great man!
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Vale Tommy, condolences to the family.
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RIP legend.
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Dreadful news this, RIP Tommy, you will never be forgotten.
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RIP Legend of the RFC , Footy and philanthropy.
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Will always be remembered as a great man and the greatest coach in Richmond Football Club history. May he Rest in Peace.
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A true legend of the RFC. If this doesn't fire up the boys, nothing will.
One would hope so.
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A true legend of the RFC. If this doesn't fire up the boys, nothing will.
One would hope so.
x3
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Incredibly sad that a bloke who lived as pure a life as anyone can was taken by illness far too quickly.
RIP.
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My condolences to his family and inner circle. It's a sad day for RFC and the AFL community as a whole. May he never be forgotten.
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Rest in peace tommy, your legacy will forever burn bright at punt rd , condolences to the family, feeling for KB right now
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RIP Tiger Tommy. Absolute legend
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Thankyou Tommy for everything you did for us, for every sacrifice you gave for us, for your love, your passion, your honesty and integrity. Our rich history is of your hand and our love for you shall never wane, for you were the greatest of us all.
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Gutted
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Probably influenced most on this forum in barracking for this club.
The man was Richmond.
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Absolutely gutted by this news..RIP Tommy
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Just incredibly sad news. RIP Tommy, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for all those wonderful Tiger memories from my youth.
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As my signature says:
Tommy Hafey - "There's nothing more tiger-ish than a bloody tiger.''
Say no more ...... RIP T-Shirt Tommy
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Rip
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Tommy Hafey is pretty much the reason I barrack for the Tigers. Thank you Tommy, and condolences to his family and friends.
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RIP Tom, and thank you for the memories.
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Tommy a true Tiger icon
Tony Greenberg
May 12, 2014 8:22 PM
Tommy Hafey’s VFL playing career gave no hint of the incredible impact he would later have on the league coaching scene.
In six seasons and 67 senior appearances with Richmond, Hafey, by his own admission, was a battling-type player – solid rather than spectacular.
He played mainly in the back pocket during his stint at Tigerland, but also spent a bit of time on the bench.
After leaving Richmond at the end of the 1958 season, Hafey had a year playing football in the amateurs, before accepting the position as captain-coach of Victorian country club Shepparton. It was to be the start of a remarkable career in the coaching arena.
Full article
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2014-05-12/tommy-a-true-tiger-icon
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AFL tribute video
http://www.afl.com.au/video/2014-05-12/tshirt-tommy-a-true-tiger-legend
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RIP Tommy :bow
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Just terribly sad news :(. RIP Tommy.
For all Tommy achieved in footy and in life, he was so humble and was a man of integrity. Someone who saw the best in people. Thank you Tommy.
Condolences and sympathies to Maureen and the Hafey family.
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Very sad news RIP Tommy,
Condolences to his family,friends and all who knew him.
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Horrible news. RIP Tommy.
Was just driving home and SEN were talking about how he was still going for his runs a week ago. :o :bow
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A man's man that proves integrity and character are the basis of substantial contribution.
Vale
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One of the greats: Tributes flow for coaching genius Hafey
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-05-12/one-of-the-greats-tributes-flow-for-a-coaching-genius
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No words can descibe. My childhood was defined by this man. RIP Tommy
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RIP T-shirt Tommy. A true legend of the game and the club. Rightly recognised as one of the greatest coaches of the game.
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:bow We salute you :cheers
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KB's emotional tribute to Tommy on his show this morning ...
AUDIO: https://soundcloud.com/sen1116/kb-remembers-tom-hafey
“(I) have to be honest, it’s not an easy show to do today,” Bartlett began.
“I’ve lost a great friend and mentor with the passing of Tom Hafey.
“Tom was an inspiration to me and my family, and godfather to my daughter.
“(Tom) was loved by all who had the privilege of playing under him and with him.
“He loved his players as they loved him, and at Richmond there was no greater honour than to be one of Hafey’s heroes during the golden era of the Richmond Football Club.”
Bartlett said Hafey’s “zest for life” was contagious, his business card summing up his attitude.
“It read: ‘Every morning in Africa a gazelle wakes up.
It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed.
Every morning a lion wakes up.
It knows it must outrun the slowest gazelle or it will starve to death.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a lion or a gazelle:
When the sun comes up you had better be running.’
And Tommy never stopped running.”
http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-champion-kevin-bartlett-says-former-coach-tom-hafey-was-an-inspiration/story-fndv8t7m-1226915572296
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Heaven's football team has finally got their coach.
RIP Tommy
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Gunna be a very emotional day Saturday.
Will turn my life up just another notch in respect of this man.
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Another of the real men of yesteryear gone, the real heart & soul of RFC. Vale Tommy.
Side better bloody do him proud on Saturday.
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Heaven's football team has finally got their coach.
RIP Tommy
:thumbsup
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For anyone here who has a chance Daniel Harford will be replaying his and Des Dowling's JYB interview with Tommy at 3pm today. It was taken around March last year. Its definitely one of my favourites and it's sure to bring on some emotions . SEN 1116
Cheers
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I heard it on the news driving to work this morning and my day has felt like crap since. He was everything that was Richmond in my younger days and in life itself he stood for even more. It's a sad day for his family, for the club, the players, the past players, the supporters and the AFL in general. I think '65 said it best - "Heaven's football team has finally got their coach."
Vale Tommy and thanks for the memories. :gotigers
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Heaven's football team has finally got their coach.
RIP Tommy
:clapping :thumbsup
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met him a couple of times and left a lasting impression
rare humility walked away smiling like a little kid
RIP
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Heaven's football team has finally got their coach.
RIP Tommy
Great call.
What a loss for the whole Richmond community young and old. Absolute legend.
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I will never forget that face,that voice and that undeniable Richmond Spirit.....if there was ever a Patron Saint of the Tigers it would be you......it's been a very sad couple of Days. Condolences not only to the family but the entire community as we have lost a great human being...
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Thomas Stanley Raymond Hafey
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met him a couple of times and left a lasting impression
rare humility walked away smiling like a little kid
RIP
Nice first post bn
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Heaven's football team has finally got their coach.
RIP Tommy
:clapping :thumbsup
:thumbsup well said
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Hafey funeral set for MCG on Monday
AAP
May 14, 2014 7:46 PM
A FUNERAL service for beloved former coach Tom Hafey will be held next week at the scene of his greatest triumphs.
The four-time premiership coach will be farewelled with a funeral at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, allowing his many fans and admirers to attend.
Richmond has advised the service will take place on Monday 19 May at 2pm.
Football fans and the general public have been encouraged to attend, watching proceedings on the MCG big screen from the Ponsford Stand, while the service takes place in the MCG's Members Dining Room.
Hafey died at age 82 on Monday night after a battle with cancer.
His life and coaching career will be celebrated with a minute's applause on Saturday at the Tigers' match against Melbourne.
Hafey's family and players from his premiership teams will be present on the ground to honour the remarkable contribution of 'T-shirt Tommy' to the club and the sport.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-05-14/mcg-funeral-for-hafey
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A wonderfully moving Tribute to Tom Hafey by Kevin Sheedy is up on the RFC Web-site :clapping :clapping
It's simply titled "Tommy, you were sensational"
Here's the link
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2014-05-15/tommy-you-were-sensational
Implore everyone to read it
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Yeah nice kev :clapping
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Bravo Kevin Sheedy. :cheers :clapping :clapping
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I was wondering has our Prezz Peggy been prominent these past few days since Tommy passed away?
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Fans pay tribute to Hafey today at Punt Rd.
VIDEO: http://www.richmondfc.com.au/video/2014-05-16/fans-pay-tribute-to-hafey
PICS:
http://www.gettyimages.com.au/Search/Search.aspx?EventId=491603577&EditorialProduct=Sport
http://www.aflphotos.com.au/galleries/results/?q=collection:AFL%202014%20Training%20-%20Richmond%20160514&image_id=327385
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TOMMY’S TRIBUTE
From 1.30pm
* Players run onto the MCG
* The Hafey family walk the four premiership cups Tommy won at Richmond onto the ground and place on plinths on the wing
* Players from both sides line up on the wing with the Hafey family and Tiger premiership players
* A minute’s applause — instead of silence — to celebrate the AFL legend
* Match starts at 1.40pm
(Fans are advised to avoid driving to the MCG due to limited parking. Yarra Park will be reduced to half capacity and access will only be through Gate 5)
Hafey’s funeral is scheduled for 2pm at the MCG on Monday
Source: Herald-Sun (http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-coach-damien-hardwick-wants-tigers-to-play-ruthless-footy-against-melbourne-out-of-respect-for-tom-hafey/story-fndv8t7m-1226920007550)
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Min clapping very good
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I really really hope that Fox show it as part of their pre-game. Would loved to have been there but to be able to watch it on TV would at least be a small compensation.
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I really really hope that Fox show it as part of their pre-game. Would loved to have been there but to be able to watch it on TV would at least be a small compensation.
Agreed Smokey. :thumbsup
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:clapping :clapping
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Sorry that this is the way we honour you, Tommy.
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Tom Hafey's funeral
Daniel Cherny
The Age
May 19, 2014 - 5:20PM
Football legend Tommy Hafey was farewelled in a moving funeral on Monday at the MCG.
The service began with MC Eddie McGuire welcoming those in attendance. "Tommy Hafey didn't have time to fear death, he was too busy living life," McGuire said, the four premiership cups won by Hafey's Tigers acting as an appropriate backdrop. Hafey's coffin lay next to the podium, draped in Tiger skin.
Hafey's granddaughter Samantha then sang 'Dream a little dream' for the mourners as a montage of Hafey's life was shown.
Hafey's brother Peter detailed the master coach's life growing up in East Malvern and his schooling at Melbourne High, before reminiscing about all that Hafey did in his respective coaching jobs. Post-coaching, Peter described Tom as having "loved sportsman's nights" and helping clubs in the community. "He spoke to schools, he spoke to prisoners, he spoke to corporate people," Peter Hafey said, emphasising how his brother's message of positivity could resonate across society.
Peter also read out an emotional letter that Tom had received from a schoolgirl who aborted a planned suicide after listening to Tom's inspirational words at school.
It was then the turn of Hafey's daughters, Rhonda, Karen and Joanne then spoke about life with their father. Not surprisingly, physical activity outdoors and cups of tea were recurring themes. As proud as they were of their father's footballing achievements, they were prouder of all he did for them personally.
Tom's grandchildren recounted their own experiences with Hafey, including his hours spent watching Test cricket in his bathers at Sorrento. "Tommy lived his life to the full. Let his passion never be forgotten." said grandson Max.
Kevin Bartlett, perhaps the most famous of 'Hafey's heroes' provided no shortage of humorous anecdotes from a famous bond spanning half a century. Bartlett described how Hafey loved to tell schoolchildren of footballers who had recovered from being cast aside at their first club yet lachieved premiership success later in their careers, preaching the importance of persistence. Hafey was always looking for a new challenge, "to read twenty new books this year," or "to eat at ten new restaurants."
Finally, Michael Green, another of Hafey's former charges, recited the Lord's Prayer.
Eddie McGuire then thanked all those for attending, as the casket was taken on a final lap of the MCG.
Hafey's family led all of those of his players in attendance, and finally the current Richmond playing list out onto the ground. They circled the boundary line to provide a guard of honour for Hafey's casket as it was taken around the oval, with the Richmond theme song blaring over the loudspeakers.
The flags atop the scoreboard were flying at half-mast as the service was broadcast live for the public to watch on the ground's big screens.
There was no shortage of fans wearing club colours, predominantly yellow and black, but so too black and white, and even those wearing the colours of Essendon, Sydney and others.
Earlier, fans stopped to remember all that which was great about Hafey while making their way into the ground.
Jeff was a member of the Richmond cheer squad during the club's golden era in the 1960s and 1970s. He says Hafey will be "remembered both as an immortal of Richmond and an immortal of the game."
Lorraine, a Melbourne supporter draped her in club's scarf emphasised Hafey's healthy approach to living, describing him as "inspirational in keeping everyone fit and active."
Georgia heard Hafey speak at her school eight years ago, and came to pay her respects to "a great man and legend of Richmond."
Rod met Hafey during his time in Sydney, and described how Hafey helped with his development as a junior football coach. "I love the man," he said.
AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan fronted the media and highlighted Hafey's leadership qualities, and his work in the community. McLachlan spoke of Hafey's remarkable "zest for life".
''It's fabulous it's here and it's amazing to see people walking down the hill into the ground, obviously lots of football lovers - Richmond faithful and others,'' McLachlan said.
''It's great to be able to celebrate Tom here today ... he treated everyone at face value, he was enthusiastic, smiling and looking forward to every day of his life.
''He had an extraordinary ability to link the community with the game.''
McLachlan said the league had discussed a lasting tribute to Hafey internally and would do so with the Tigers and other clubs ''at the right time''.
The MCG's famous Long Room will host a private wake.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bn-jzG9IUAAQaEP.jpg:large)(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bn-jzHAIAAAfJ9y.jpg:large)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bn-jzDHIcAAhK62.jpg:large)(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bn-jzL_IUAIeuRX.jpg:large)
(http://images.theage.com.au/2014/05/19/5437874/dcfuneral-20140519164951108607-620x414.jpg)
Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/updates-from-tom-hafeys-funeral-20140519-38jae.html#ixzz32910GJ5i
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Great man is Kevin Bartlett, l have always admired the man all my life. Was fantastic the way he spoke about Tommy. :clapping
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Which current AFL coach's philosophy is closest to Tommy's of being the fitter than everyone else and playing fast, direct footy?
Which side is currently topping the AFL ladder?
Some things are timeless.
Football is still a simple game. Tommy understood that.