Tigers line up to watch in 2009
Michael Gleeson | March 12, 2009
IT IS true that Richmond has broken its membership record each year for the past four years. It is also true that the Tigers had not done so at this time of year before.
They also had not previously recruited a Brownlow medallist.
According to Richmond president Gary March, Ben Cousins had undoubtedly caused membership to spike by at least 5000 members. But he figured the reason for the record-breaking membership of 31,000 was more than one player.
"Last year was a record year as well, but at the same time last year we had about 25,000 members, so we are well ahead of any previous time," March said.
"There are two obvious reasons for that and one is recruiting and the other is that last year we were the best-performed side outside the eight, and there is a bit of excitement and optimism about us."
March said the membership boost from Cousins' recruitment was a fillip to a decision that had little to do with marketing or membership concerns. The club's membership was also 15 per cent up when Cousins was recruited.
"The public sentiment didn't come into it. At the time we looked at Ben there were mixed views in the footy community about recruiting him. The reaction by members has been something that has happened since and is a nice bonus.
"So it is down to the way the club finished the year — being the last side to defeat the eventual premier — and some exciting recruiting, and that is not just Ben. A lot of Richmond fans had been screaming out for years to recruit some bigger players, and we were able to pick up Tyrone Vickery — one of the best tall players in the draft — and Jayden Post, who is a key position player, too, with our second pick. It is a more balanced list now.
"So I wouldn't put it all down to Ben, but certainly he has caused a spike."
It is an excitement and optimism that is not isolated to the fans, for even the playing veterans feel the mood shift.
"Every year you're full of optimism, obviously, but this year it does feel different, there's been a lot of statements around the club for a few different reasons," club champion Matthew Richardson said yesterday.
"The proof is going to be in the pudding, you've got to get out there and win games. The players have to step up now, the fans have stepped up and signed up, it's our turn."
The test of that improvement and optimism will be in the first-round encounter against Carlton, with Ben Cousins turning out for the Tigers for the first time in a home-and-away game and doing so against the man who succeeded him as West Coast captain, fellow Brownlow medallist Chris Judd.
In the meantime, Richardson, Cousins, Brett Deledio, Nathan Brown, Nathan Foley and Troy Simmonds will return for Friday's practice match against the Brisbane Lions.
"You need to do that leading into round one, so it will be a good test up there against Brisbane on the Gold Coast," Richardson said. "It's going to be pretty humid and stormy, we'll find out where we're at."
http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/tigers-line-up-to-watch-in-2009/2009/03/11/1236447306384.html
