Casey offers to quit
By Michael Stevens and Jon Pierik
The Australian/Herald Sun
December 10, 2004
BESEIGED Richmond president Clinton Casey is believed to have offered to resign in 12 months if the club's financial position does not improve.
The offer is the latest development in an increasingly nasty election campaign which has had more twists and turns than a mystery novel.
Casey has come under intense fire from past Tiger champions for what is perceived as a dictatorial leadership style.
And the confirmation of a $2.2 million loss for season 2004 has flamed the voices of discontent.
Casey's threat of legal action against past club stalwarts Bryan Wood and Peter Welsh - both members of the rival Charles Macek-led rebel ticket - has also not endeared him to past players.
Club legend Bill Barrot yesterday joined the case for change, with his support for Macek's opposition ticket.
In a major coup for Macek's Big 4 camp, Barrot - the centreman in the Richmond's Team of the Century - has joined his famous wingmen from that side, Dick Clay and Francis Bourke, in calling for members to oust the incumbent board.
In another blow for the regime, the club's past players and officials association fired off a letter to Casey on Wednesday, labelling his threat to sue past premiership players Wood and Welsh as "unacceptable".
As the bitter electioneering heads into its final week, Barrot's decision was a timely boost for Macek.
Barrot had been undecided over which party to support but, after meeting with both, felt the rebels had more to offer.
"I have now had an opportunity to speak with representatives of the current Clinton Casey-led board - including Clinton and Greg Miller - and the Charles Macek-led Big 4 team," Barrot said.
"I sincerely believe that the Big 4 is a genuine team and the best equipped to take Richmond back to its rightful place at the top of the AFL competition.
"I want to support the winning team and I want to support my teammates."
Barrot, who played in the 1967 and '69 premierships, also joins club champions Jim Jess, Emmett Dunne, Brendon Gale, Ron Branton and Paul Broderick in supporting the Big 4.
"These are some of the most revered people in the history of the Richmond Football Club," Macek said.
"Most importantly, they have given a commitment to work with the Big 4 to take our great club back to the top - both on and off the field.
"That is what the Big 4 is all about, galvanising the mighty Richmond family into the most powerful force in the AFL."
Past players and officials president Mike Perry was encouraged to write his letter to Casey after receiving several angry calls, including some from current players.
"You can't go around threatening past champions," Perry said.
A dashing half-back in the '67 premiership side, Perry wouldn't disclose which party he was backing, but said he disagreed with the decision of football director Greg Miller to align himself with the Casey ticket.
"He should stay in the football department," Perry said.
It's understood the Macek group has also attracted some strong support from recently retired players.
Miller last night responded by saying those ex-players should come and talk to him "to get a balanced view".
The board has endured plenty of criticism, not the least over the $2 million loss it announced this year.
Asked whether the board should ask for forgiveness, Miller said: "Yeah, probably. They (supporters) have got to understand it's not an easy role and, while you might be good at part of the role, you are not necessarily over everything you need to be.
"That takes time.
"We took the wrong CEO, we took the wrong route, we had the wrong board members at the time.
"The board has changed significantly."
Miller also denied having any financial links with the wealthy Casey.
About 18,000 adult Tiger members have received their ballots in the mail this week, with votes to be returned by 5pm next Friday.
The new board will be announced at the December 22 election.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,11643740%255E23211,00.html
