One Richmond pub expects to pour 7000 beers for Tigers prelim7news
20 Sep 2019Pubs and clubs in Richmond have doubled their staff numbers for Friday night's preliminary final blockbuster between the Tigers and Geelong.
The London Tavern ordered 40 kegs, expecting to pour a mammoth 7000 pots on the night.
Thankfully, the pubs around the Punt Road area know what to expect: tonight's clash marks Richmond's third successive preliminary final.
Many have spent the week preparing with extra security and bar staff.
"It's great for business," the Richmond Club Hotel's George Rickard told 7NEWS.
"All the casuals are getting their hours up, which we all like. Business as well, the till ticks over without even having to try."
Crucial to keeping customers happy was placing larger orders for food and drink supplies in the lead-up, with the Duke of Wellington prepared to make 400 chicken parmas - up from 150 on a normal night.
"Everyone's just in such a good mood, it's amazing that all of Richmond just goes off," said the London Tavern's Annika Keily, who will have her fingers crossed during the game.
"Especially if Richmond win, which we are praying for obviously."
Punt Road erupted when the Tigers won the grand final in 2017 as punters filled the street long into the night.
The pubs' hope for Richmond to reach the premiership decider again this year is followed by the prospect of a scene not seen since 1980.
If the Tigers defeat the Cats and Collingwood return to the grand final for a second successive year, the Victorian rivals will end a 39-year wait to meet on the biggest stage again.
Way back on September 27, 1980, Richmond demolished the Pies by 81 points in front of 113,461 fans at the MCG.
The MCC is expecting a crowd of 95,000 at the preliminary final between the Tigers and Geelong.
https://7news.com.au/sport/afl/one-richmond-pub-expects-to-pour-7000-beers-for-tigers-prelim-c-464267
