31.08.04
When you only win 4 games in a season it is bloody hard to find many highlights. But desipte winning the wooden
spoon there were a few highlights in 2004 and here is my list not in any order.
1. Our round one victory over Collingwood. Any win over our arch rival is a good win but this win can also be classified
as a lowlight. Why? Because for many Richmond fans playing so well in round 1 lulled many of us into a false sense of hope and as
we found out it made the season all the more frustrating and longer.
2. Richo's 10 goals against the Bulldogs in Round 8. I always knew one day he would kick 10 just didn't
realise it would take more than 10 years for him to do it.
3. The "Sargent's" game against Brisbane in round 14. With no Richo - Jay Schulz took on
2 of the best defenders in the game and beat them, kicked 6 goals and gave the Tigers a chance at the
biggest upset in 2004. History tells us the Tiger's failed by 18 points but Jay gave us a glimpse
of what the future may hold and garnered a National Rising Star Nomination.
4. The Brisbane game. I made the long trip and all I can say it was a great game of football. Makes you wonder though why
couldn't we play like that all season?
5. Joel Bowden's year. I have been one of Joel's biggest critics over the years. But his form and play after his one week
stint at Coburg was outstanding. A Jack Dyer Medal beckons.
6. Round 6 against Hawthorn. The game after the imfamous and disgraceful spitting incident resulted in a Tiger victory.
I don't know about anyone else but for a week I copped "crap" from mainly work colleagues about the behaviour
of Richmond fans. On Friday April 30 the Tiger fiathful were united and as a result this was a sweet sweet victory.
7. Terry Wallace signs as coach. If you had asked me 12 months ago if I wanted Terry as our coach I would have said no.
But I believe when you look at where we are and what we need in regards to developing our list, attracting sponsors and members
etc, then Terry Wallace is the best coach for the job.
8. Last but not least - THE KIDS. Hartigan, Jackson, Tuck, Roach and Raines all debuted this season for the Tigers and
how great it was to be there for all there debuts. Throw in our other young recruits in Archibald, Gilmour and Foley who all played
senior footy for Coburg and there is some hope for the future. Brent Hartigan has been the standout and this week he finally got a
Rising Star Nomination
|
