By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Richmond’s rampaging AFL premiership win was perhaps a surprise to many – not least, some of the expectant Adelaide players.
But not to some of the Tigers die-hard supporters in Narre Warren South.
As Kim Chante told Star News several weeks ago, she had a premonition at the start of the year that Richmond would win the 2017 flag.
Like a bolt out of the blue, she had seen coach Damien ‘Dimma’ Hardwick holding aloft the premiership cup. Then she saw it again on the last Saturday of September.
“You know how over the years, you’re watching a side and thinking, ‘Oh my God they’re good’.”
“I had never felt that with Richmond until the last three or four games.
“How good is it?”
Cheer squad member of 30 years Dave ‘Gecko’ Coppin was also bullish throughout the year.
He tearfully declared in an emotional video with Footy Fan TV straight after the game: “I told you we’d win this … from Round One.”
To the “haters” that had called him a “flog” and a “dog” throughout the year, he said: “Richmond beat the f***ing world!”
He reflected that at that stage – after a 37-year drought – it had finally hit him that Richmond had won.
“To see 200 mates (in the cheer squad) crying there, it was hard not to cry at the end. I’ve known them for 30 years, they’re your family.”
It was the midst of 48 hours of build-up and celebration, including partying from Saturday night to sunrise, followed by the Richmond best-and-fairest count on 2 October and then Tiger Tuesday at a Bridge Road pub.
Though by that last event, Mr Coppin was exhausted, and no longer up for drinking. And the next day, he fronted back at work, still basking in the glory.
In the meantime, he’s hunted some priceless Grand Final items to his vast Tigers memorabilia, including a premiership banner and jumper as well as WEG and Mark Knight souvenir posters.
The most treasured is a replica premiership medal presented by club legend Matthew Richardson, as well as being singled out for thanks by full-forward Jack Riewoldt.
It was fitting reward for Mr Coppin’s loyal support, including the dark times in the late 1980s and early 1990s when he rattled tins to save the club from bankruptcy.
Now it’s possible that Richmond will sign up 100,000 members next year, dwarfing the AFL’s other largest clubs, he said.
“It’s all worth it.”
Darryl Johanning, who had missed the preliminary final due to a footy trip in Tassie, snared the hardest ticket in town – a Grand Final seat at the MCG.
With the help of business contacts, he found a $500 ticket to witness history.
“What a great day! It was a bit nervewracking still at half time.
“But at the 15-20 minute mark of the last quarter, it was all over.
“We were all hugging blokes you don’t even know.”
After partying into the night, Mr Johanning then woke up. And it was his birthday.
“We went out for lunch and then I made sure I watched the replay with some mates that afternoon.
“I’ve watched it three times now.”
Mr Johanning said he’d never thought he’d see another Richmond premiership.
“Now I just want to get another one!”
