You've got to love the loyalty of Tiger supporters
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Tiger of old hopes patience pays off as Richmond starts to roarBy Ben McKay
The Examiner
March 6, 2013SHEILA Walker knows better than most Richmond fans that patience is needed to follow the Tigers.
Mrs Walker, of Gravelly Beach, last saw her beloved Tigers win in 1947.
That's 66 years without hearing the Richmond song for Mrs Walker - a dry spell that could end in Launceston on Saturday.
Despite the wait, Mrs Walker, 87, was as quick as a flash yesterday remembering her 1940s heroes.
``Merrett, Morris, the Cook twins, Mopsy Fraser and Dyer,'' Mrs Walker said.
``It always was very crowded, very noisy. We used to dress up in black skirts and gold. Always black and gold.''
Mrs Walker worked at Victoria Barracks after World War II for two years and was a regular at Richmond matches.
This weekend's NAB Cup match against Hawthorn is her first match since and she would dearly love a win.
Granddaughter Nicola Prewer has bought her nan a ticket for the match, which is expected to draw more than 10,000 people.
This Tiger of old was confident that Richmond would be a fighting fury in 2013.
``I don't think the flag but they should go further this year,'' Mrs Walker said.
The Tigers last tasted premiership success in 1980 and are expected to improve this year on last year's 12th-place finish.
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The club has invited Mrs Walker to a training session tomorrow for a photo with forward Jack Riewoldt.
``I like Jackie,'' Mrs Walker said.
``I liked Matthew Richardson, I like all the Tasmanian ones. Brendon Gale and his brother Michael.'
http://www.examiner.com.au/story/1346833/tiger-of-old-hopes-patience-pays-off-as-richmond-starts-to-roar/?cs=12