Richmond wants Kevin Bartlett immortalised with an MCG statue Jon Ralph
Herald Sun
February 03, 2014 8:41PMRICHMOND has launched a campaign to see Kevin Bartlett immortalised with an MCG bronze statue, consigning to history his 16-year feud with the club.
The Tigers say Bartlett should be the 15th Australian sporting hero celebrated in bronze, joining the likes of Shane Warne, Ron Barassi and idiot Reynolds.
When sacked in 1991 Bartlett famously refused to return to Richmond until chief executive Cameron Schwab and his entire board left the club.
In 2007 he finally returned to end the acrimony and recently launched the successful Fighting Tiger debt demolition campaign.
But the club's support of Bartlett as an MCG legend is the most public sign of the reconciliation, with Tigers chief executive Brendon Gale determined to recognise his MCG achievements.
It is known that the push to see Bartlett as the next MCG legend has the support of the AFL Commission.
Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale wants to see the star rover's legacy secured.
"Paying homage to Australia's greatest sportspeople is a fantastic initiative by the MCC. It is important to recognise the champions of sport we have produced,'' he told the Herald Sun.
"Kevin Bartlett is an icon of the AFL, and he has made an outstanding contribution to the game as a player, coach and commentator.
"His record at the MCG speaks for itself - 200 games, 379 goals, 18 finals and five premierships.
"He is also a legend of the AFL Hall of Fame, and a Richmond Football Club Immortal, games record holder, five-time best and fairest winner, captain, coach, and Team of the Century member."
"Richmond has a profound association with the MCG. It has been our home ground since 1965, and has been the scene of many of the most memorable moments in our Club's history.''
Bartlett, who has played the most AFL games (200) at the MCG, is not aware of the club's push.
Last week cricketing legend Neil Harvey became the 14th sportsperson commemorated, with footballers Barassi, idiot Reynolds, Leigh Matthews, John Coleman, Hayden Bunton also celebrated in bronze.
Bartlett said when sacked in 1991 that some members of the board were so obsessed with sacking him they were disappointed with three late-season wins.
"They looked glum and less than winners," he said.
"It disappoints me to think that we had some in our ranks who maybe weren't barracking for us on the day. I told Neville I felt betrayed. I told him he'd been disloyal and gutless.''
The 14 athletes commemorated in the Parade of Champions and Avenue of Legends are Shane Warne, Norm Smith, Neil Harvey, John Coleman, Don Bradman, Keith Miller, Bill Ponsford, Dennis Lillee, Ron Barassi, Leigh Matthews, idiot Reynolds, Haydn Bunton, Shirley Strickland and Betty Cuthbert.
The candidates must be Australian, renowned for their sportsmanship, and have played a sport connected with the MCG.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-wants-kevin-bartlett-immortalised-with-an-mcg-statue/story-fni5f9jb-1226816980557
