This flag just first of many tips Turner
LONG-TIME Cairns Saints team manager Keith Turner is quietly optimistic his beloved Tigers are on the verge of a premiership era.
Turner, who was Saints team manager at Griffiths Park for almost two decades, saw first-hand what it took to win a string of flags in AFL Cairns and he believes the Tigers could do the same over the next few years.
He was one of the thousands of vocal Tiger Army members at the MCG on Saturday afternoon as the yellow and black snapped a 37-year premiership drought in the most emphatic fashion.
Turner was on level two in the forward pocket as the Tigers won their 11th premiership with the upset 16.12 (108) to 8.12 (60) win over Adelaide.
“I have waited 37 years for this,” Turner said yesterday morning as he watched the replay of the decider.
“I have been very patient over the years but I am very happy now.
“I have now seen Richmond’s last six premierships, I am talking 1967, 1969, 1973, 1974, 1980 and now 2017.”
Turner’s sons, Stephen and Drew, slept overnight at the MCG on Friday to ensure they got tickets and were in full voice as the Tigers skipped away after halftime.
Turner, who was Saints team manager until this season, believes the recruitment of Dion Prestia, Josh Caddy and Toby Nankervis was pivotal to the Tigers’ first flag since 1980.
“The way they played on Saturday, it could be the start of an era,” Turner said.
“We could be there again next year, we have recruited well.
“Adelaide are a strong team, they finished on top and beat some very good sides to make the grand final.”
Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale said the Tigers could only improve.
Gale’s emotional embrace of club president Peggy O’Neal in the stands during Saturday’s win was one of the enduring images of the grand final.