From rags to riches

THE Richmond club saved itself from extinction a dollar at a time.

On Saturday, it will march into a grand final as a financial powerhouse with no debt, 73,000 members and revenue of almost $50 million.

But 27 years ago the club was on death’s door with debts of $1.7 million from a turnover of $1.9 million and was being sued for outstanding salaries by 22 former coaches and players.

Countless tin rattles, a legends game, sausage sizzles and an MCG rally mobilised the Tiger Army and put Richmond on the long road to recovery.