A few games that come to mind when i think of Richo are:
Friday night against the Pies at the G. Cant remember the year but Richo played on from outside the boundary and lost the ball, then he kicked an ugly snap to seal the game. I remember that Scooter Moore was playing and he also kicked a great goal in the last qtr to get us over the line.
Another Friday night at the G against the Cats, it was a wet night and Richo booted 6. Remember watching him tear the Cats apart and we were up in level 2 of the Southern Stand singing "Richo, Richo man"
I also remember watching him play reserves against the Roos when he was dropped many years ago and he took about 18 marks from memory.
Yeah first game you Mentioned Birdman rd 11 1997 v Pies on Queens Birthday wkend Friday nite.
My highlights that night was Richo took two speccies in 3rd quarter on Shauble punt rd end 15 out exactly same spot hit the post both times. Then later in the quarter marked members stand side 50 on the boundary went back and drilled it. Proceeded to kick the winning goal palying on after taking a mark in the square just as he was being tackled. Remember Benny Gale taking about 4 marks on half back to repell the Pies from trying to level the scores.
Tigs 11 11 77 Pies 10 11 71
Of course his 10 goals against the dogs in rd 8 Tigs 15 15 105 to 10 22 82
even more special was the week before up in Sydney coming back from injury he kicked 7 out of 10.
Remember in the first minute he got the ball about 70 out took off with 2 bounces and drilled it from 50. Tigs 10 7 67 to 8 6 54.
His comeback from a knee reco rd 1 1996 against the Dons kicked 6 in a losing side. Looked as good as he has ever been that season. Tigs 15 14 104 to Dons 19 8 122
Made Silvagni look Silly later that year in a narrow defeat to the Blues in rd 10 kicked 7 6 out of 13 12 90 and took 17 marks ran Silvagni ragged to bad Benny made a crucial error that allowed Diesel Williams and Heaver to kick the winning goals.
My favourite all time Richo moment was rd 17 2001 grudge match v the Dogs at the dome. Had taken abt 6 marks till 3 qt time and looked okay but we fell 16 points down early in the last quarter and Richo just stepped up to the plate. Another 7 marks in the final quarter including one on defensive side of wing to repel a dogs thrust in the dying moments two goals including one I will never forger boundary line medallion club side nthern end at the 50 to put us in front. The emotion that night on Richo's face and all the supporters at the end of that one was palpable after our 15 12 102 to 15 10 100 victory.I was on a high for about 3 days after that and I still get goosebumps whenever that game gets brought up with the lads I go to the footy with. Plus we made a killing on us at the TAB and the cas that night but that is a separate issue.
Richo, good luck all the best you have been a credit to yourself your family and your football club and I hope that your milestone is a memorable one and the team can get up for you as your loyalty and committment is inspiring. You have provided me with 15 seasons of memories and if it was humanely possible I wish you could be playing for the next 15. I can only hope wish and prey that in the twilight of your career the team successess such as finals and premierships can be a fitting resolution to your already stellar career.
Keep up the great work champ. Boys from Q49 Olympic Stand.
