Save Our Skins

The Richmond Football Club has produced some magnificent victories on the field but arguably none have been more important that our greatest off-field victory – the 1990 Save Our Skins campaign.

On August 15th 1990, Richmond announced that it needed to raise $1 million by October 31st (in six weeks) or it would cease to exist.

Tigerland was on its knees as attendances and membership had collapsed, coach Kevin Bartlett unable to buy new players, the social club shut down and financial settlements to former players and coaches threatening to send the Tigers to the wall.

In stepped the mighty Tiger spirit as administrators, coaches, players, sponsors, staff and of course members & supporters rallied together to lift the club off the canvass.
On Friday August 27th 2010, 20 years almost to the day, the THC proudly celebrated this greatest off-field victory which also ranks as one of the ten defining moments in the first 100 years of Tiger history.

Through video footage and recorded interviews with key people involved in the campaign, close to 250 members and their guests relived Captain Blood Jack Dyer’s stirring speech at the MCG rally on that memorable Sunday morning in August, revisited the charity match at Windy Hill against Carlton and acknowledged the architect, the passion, the energy, the man who along with many others…saved the Tigers…..Neville Crowe. Vally Crowe, representing Neville, had everyone in stitches as she recalled classic moments of that pressure cooker six weeks.

The Atlantic Room at Atlantic Wharf Docklands was the venue, Jeff Richardson our MC. Seizing the opportunity presented, an appeal was launched for funds to restore the famous (now 60 years old) Tiger skin. Thanks to a very significant donation by long time THC supporter and member Kenton Savage, the appeal ended the day with nearly $12,000 in the bank.

As usual, the day ended with a full-blooded rendition of the Richmond theme song. Many lingered after for catch ups and to rub shoulders with some of the famous names in the room, while those who could, adjourned to the bar for a few coldies.

Another hugely entertaining and enjoyable Tommy Hafey Club function, and a timely reminder that they are NEVER to be missed!

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