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RFC Playerlink member "Johno" had the privilege of spending a day "on the bench" when Richmond played Geelong in Round 19, Sunday, 8th August, 2004. She has kindly offered OER a diary of her experience that day - the inner workings, 1/4 and 3/4 time huddles - the works:
The week leading up to my day on the bench was thrilling, with people enquiring about how excited I was getting, and those who know me so well, voiced their concerns of me making front page headlines in Monday's newspapers. They had visions of seeing a picture of me running out onto the ground to protect Richo after the opposition had flattened him. After all, he has been my favourite player from the first time I saw him running for the ball.
The morning of the game against Geelong finally came, and I woke up anxiously, but eagerly awaiting, my appointment time to come around. The weather looked threatening but I could not have cared less; it could have hailed and snowed for all I cared. Regardless of the threat of bad weather, this was going to be a big day for me.
The telephone was running hot with well-wishers saying they were taking their binoculars and looking forward to seeing me out on the ground holding the windbreak.
Walking to the "G", passing all the yellow and black scarves, I felt like stopping people and shouting, "TODAY I AM ON THE BENCH"!
I arrived at the rooms the same time as Richo's Dad, Bull - great timing. We were escorted in, and, together, we took our place against the lockers watching the kick to kick.
The players were extremely focused, while I was frozen to the spot thinking, "don't move and break their concentration". My eyes were wide open, but at the same time I'm thinking to myself, "savour every moment of this, it is an opportunity of a lifetime". If ever I was lucky enough to do it again, it would not have the same meaning as this moment.
The players' warm up was so fierce, I was concerned they would be worn out or even injured before the game started.
Walking up the race and out onto the MCG was an emotional thrill and the will to be there on that last Saturday in September came to mind. Like all diehard faithfuls, I desperately want to see the Richmond Town Hall covered in our colours on that day we win the flag.
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The walk across to the bench was special. I couldn't help but think, as I pass the umpires in the centre of the ground, "finally I am close enough to tell them what I think and I wanted to shout how I believe Richo gets a raw deal every week". I bit my lip, and kerbed my natural instincts and said nothing. The greeting and bow by Tigger when I arrived at the bench was very much appreciated.
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Following the centre bounce, the language started flying from the interchange bench, screaming their frustrations about umpiring decisions and it didn't take me long to join in with the comments that cannot be shouted from the stands in front of children.
Looking across at the enormous Great Southern Stand, I watched the sea of yellow and black scarves and banners, and when the crowds roared their support it was incredible. It was easy to identify which camp was cheering or complaining.
The bench had its share of minor injuries and the disappointment on the players face said it all. Of course, some things must stay in-house, but talk about an eye opening experience seeing what it takes to get these players back out onto the ground.
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Frawley's quarter and three-quarter time address is one I will never forget and, unfortunately, one that cannot be put into print. As you can imagine, it was colourful, but encouraging. I could not resist the "Go Richo" encouragement as I passed the big fellow when he was taking to the field for the last quarter.
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In the rooms after the game, the loss meant the song was put on hold for another day. You could have heard a pin drop as the boys went about their warming down exercises. Again, my imagination turned to thinking how different the atmosphere would be if we got across the line. Sombre, disappointed, discontent, as the players moved around slowly, many of them strapped in places with bags of ice. It must be so difficult to motivate yourself each week and go through the preparation over and over, especially during difficult times like we are experiencing at the moment.
All the staff were fantastic. There was an invitation to hang around in the rooms after the game, therefore, I wasn't going anywhere. The rewards were viewing the naked flesh passing in front of me between the change room and the shower J
Match day will never be the same again. I have experienced something that has added to the strong passion I already possessed for this great club and for the game that is "MORE" than a game.
Johno
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