Let me take you back to 1967, a pivotal year for Richmond Football Club and, more importantly, the year that would shape my lifelong love for the Tigers. It was a chilly September, and I was a wide-eyed grade six student at St Gerard’s Primary School in Dandenong, just a kid who loved kicking a football around with friends during every winter lunchtime. Little did I know that I was about to embark on a lifelong journey with the Richmond Football Club—a journey that has spanned over five decades.

My family wasn’t particularly into football, which made me a bit of an outlier at school. While my friends passionately followed their teams, I hadn’t yet committed to any one club. But, as fate would have it, I was soon to become a Tiger for life. The 1967 VFL Grand Final was the turning point.

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Richmond’s win that day was nothing short of electric. The team triumphed over Geelong in a nail-biting contest, securing a hard-fought victory by nine points. This win ended the Tigers' 24-year premiership drought and was a defining moment for the club. Richmond's captain, Roger Dean, lifted the premiership cup, and the team basked in the glory of a well-earned victory.

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For me, it was more than just a win—it was the spark that ignited my lifelong passion for the Richmond Football Club. I remember heading to school the following Monday with a newfound sense of purpose. In my young mind, choosing a team to support was as important as anything else. And so, I confidently declared to my classmates, "Yep, I'm barracking for Richmond—they won the flag!"

Some might call me the ultimate bandwagon jumper, but hey, everyone’s journey has to start somewhere, right? In 1967, as a six-year-old, I simply made a decision based on the excitement and joy of that premiership win. Little did I know that this choice would anchor me to a lifetime of highs, lows, heartbreaks, and triumphs with Richmond Football Club. Since that day, I’ve never looked back. At 63 years old, my love for the Tigers has only grown stronger. I’ve witnessed their ups and downs, their moments of glory, and the times of despair, but I’ve never wavered in my support. That’s the thing about footy; once it gets under your skin, it stays there, and Richmond has had me hooked since day one.

Anyone who has supported a football club for as long as I have knows it’s never just about the wins. It’s about the journey, the moments that define not only the club but also the lives of its supporters. Richmond has given me memories that are etched in my heart forever, moments that have brought both joy and heartbreak. In the 1970s, I saw Richmond rise to dominance again, winning premierships in 1973 and 1974 under the legendary coach Tom Hafey. Players like Royce Hart, Kevin Bartlett, and Francis Bourke became household names, embodying the spirit of the Tigers. During those years, I lived for every game, feeling the highs of each victory and the crushing disappointment of every loss. The 1980s were a different story. Richmond began to struggle on and off the field, and my heart ached as the club went through its toughest period. It was a challenging time to be a Richmond supporter, but I stayed loyal. That’s what you do when you truly love your club—you stick by them through thick and thin, knowing that one day, they’ll rise again.

For many years, the Tigers remained in the wilderness, often falling short of the finals or being plagued by internal turmoil. Seasons came and went, and although the team occasionally showed promise, success seemed elusive. My loyalty, however, never wavered. I remember the frustration, the near misses, and the moments when other supporters would tell me that Richmond was finished. But deep down, I knew that Richmond’s fighting spirit was still alive. It was just a matter of time before the club would roar back to life. And roar they did. After decades of struggle, the 2017 premiership arrived like a tidal wave of joy. Led by coach Damien Hardwick and captain Trent Cotchin, the Tigers took the AFL by storm, playing a brand of football that was fast, aggressive, and unrelenting. The grand final victory over Adelaide was an unforgettable moment. Watching the final siren sound as Richmond claimed their first premiership in 37 years brought tears to my eyes. This wasn’t just a win—it was redemption, a return to glory, and a reminder of why I had never abandoned my Tigers.

The years following the 2017 premiership were like living in a dream for Richmond supporters. The Tigers went on to win two more premierships in 2019 and 2020, cementing their place as one of the greatest teams of the modern era. Players like Dustin Martin, Jack Riewoldt, and Alex Rance became legends in their own right, etching their names into the rich tapestry of Richmond’s history. For me, these years were pure bliss. Every game felt like a celebration, and the sense of pride in wearing the yellow and black was unparalleled. After all those years of heartbreak, it felt like we were finally being rewarded for our unwavering support. I often think back to that day in 1967 when I chose Richmond as my team. How could I have known that one day I’d be celebrating not one, but three premierships in the space of four years? It’s moments like these that make the journey of being a footy supporter so special.

Now, at 63, I look back on my journey as a Richmond supporter with immense pride and gratitude. The Tigers have given me more than just wins and premierships; they’ve given me a sense of identity, a connection to something bigger than myself, and a community of fellow supporters who share the same passion. Every time I walk into the MCG, wearing my Richmond scarf, I’m reminded of that little kid in grade six who decided to support Richmond because they won the flag. I’m reminded of the highs and lows, the moments of joy and despair, and the countless memories that have shaped my life as a Tigers supporter. But most importantly, I’m reminded that being a Richmond supporter is about more than just football. It’s about loyalty, resilience, and a deep love for a club that has been a constant in my life for over 50 years. Whether we’re winning premierships or rebuilding for the future, I’ll always be there, cheering on the mighty Tigers, because once a Tiger, always a Tiger.

As I look forward to the future, I can’t help but feel excited about what’s to come for Richmond Football Club. The team may be entering a new phase, with fresh faces and new challenges, but the spirit of the club remains as strong as ever. Young players like Daniel Rioli, Shai Bolton, and Jack Ross are stepping up to carry the torch, and I have no doubt that they’ll lead Richmond to even more success in the years to come. Supporting Richmond isn’t just about celebrating the present; it’s about honouring the past and believing in the future. And as we move into the next chapter of Richmond’s history, I’ll be right there, cheering from the stands, just as I have since that unforgettable day in 1967.