TIGERS HOPE FOR ROAR OF 50,000
RICHMOND is hopeful of having 50,000 fans at the MCG season opener, when it will become the first club in VFL-AFL history to unfurl two premiership flags at the same time.
The Tigers last year deferred unfurling their 2019 flag until they could share the moment with their fans at the MCG.
Unless the COVID-19 situation in Victoria worsened between now and the March 18 season opener, a reduced capacity of fans will be there for football’s triumphant return to the MCG.
The blockbuster clash between Richmond and Carlton is set to be the hottest ticket in town, although Tigers chief executive Brendon Gale said he still did not know how many fans would be let in for the yellow and black celebration. “Things change on the flip of a coin (with the COVID situation),” Gale said. “We’re hopeful we could have 50 per cent capacity but that might change, as the events of the last week show. “We’ll keep doing what we can do as a football community and we’ll continue to rely on the advice of the Victorian government and the AFL. “It’s a moving feast.”
Victoria’s Major Events Minster Martin Pakula said on Tuesday the size of the crowds allowed in for the start of the season was still to be determined.
“I’d love to be able to tell you but I’m not able to do that today,” he said.
“I’m pretty optimistic we’ll have a decent crowd (for the season opener), but ultimately it will be up to the chief health officer.
“And I know the AFL is working closely with the department of health about their COVID-safe plans.
“There will be an announcement closer to Round 1, but I’m hoping for the biggest crowd we can possibly get within the parameters of COVID safety.”
Tigers spearhead Tom Lynch, pictured left, said the Richmond players were counting down the days until they can play in front of their fans at the MCG again. “We can’t wait,” he said. “To play on the MCG, there’s nothing better and a full Tiger army behind us would be awesome.
“Hopefully we’re allowed to get a good crowd in for Round 1.”
WE CAN’T WAIT ... TO PLAY ON THE MCG THERE’S NOTHING BETTER AND A FULL TIGER ARMY BEHIND US WOULD BE AWESOME. TOM LYNCH
Lynch has warned he has no plans to change his aggressive style, declaring he is determined to get back to his deadly best in 2021.
The Tigers spearhead won his second premiership medal last year after leaving Gold Coast at the end of 2018.
Although, he booted 32 goals from his 19 games in 2020 after kicking 63 goals – the second highest he’d kicked in a single season – in his first 25 games at Tigerland in 2019.
“I was a probably a bit quieter in the end last year compared to my season before, so hopefully I can get back to my 2019 form,” Lynch said.
“I’m looking forward to that and playing my role for the team.”
Lynch’s physicality and onfield aggression was a feature of his game in 2020, and while
the Tigers’ fathful loved it, it landed him in hot water on a number of occasions.
He was cited for striking three times, including being sent directly to the AFL Tribunal for an incident involving Bomber Michael Hurley in Round 13.
It didn’t worry coach Damien Hardwick, who publicly encouraged his side during last year’s finals series to “push the envelope” with its on-field aggression.
Asked if he would continue to play on the edge in 2021, Lynch replied yesterday;
“I’m looking forward to playing my best footy.
“When I’m attacking the footy really hard, that’s when I play my best footy and I’m looking forward to that.”
The 28-year-old star struggled with well documented knee issues when he first arrived at Punt Rd at the end of 2018, although he said he was in good nick ahead this year of Round 1.
“I’m feeling great, to be honest,” he said.
“I’ve completed most of it and it’s been a shorter pre-season, which I think the AFL players have enjoyed coming back in January.
“I feel fit and ready to go and looking forward to the season ahead.”
The Tigers spearhead said it was easy to stay motivated as Richmond this year pushes for its first premiership threepeat in its 135-year history.
“You don’t get tired of winning, that’s for sure,” he said.
“We’re back at Punt Rd and really excited about being back in Melbourne in front of our home crowd.”