RICHMOND started the year by saluting the 1969 premiership side at its season launch.
It finished it by celebrating the 2019 flag.
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It was pure, unadulterated Tiger time at Richmond's post-match function at the Pullman Hotel, just over the road from the MCG.
Bachar Houli and David Astbury share a laugh. Picture: AFL Photos
Oddly enough, it's also the hotel the vanquished Greater Western Sydney players and officials are staying in, although their club function was held at Crown, avoiding any awkward meetings.
The victorious Tigers literally conga-lined off the ground after being presented to the MCG crowd post-match, before hopping up on stage in front of friends and family at the club's celebration.
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VFL flag-winning captain and former AFL Tiger Steve Morris took hosting duties, with all premiership players – AFL and VFL alike (the Tigers defeated Williamstown on Sunday) – celebrating with copious amounts of yellow and black confetti.
Daniel Rioli was so taken with it, he gathered a big handful and promptly dropped it on Jayden Short's head.
Dancing in September, Eye of the Tiger and We Are The Champions played as premiership medals were shown off and plenty of selfies were taken.
Josh Caddy, Tom Lynch and Daniel Rioli look on during the post-match function. Picture: AFL Photos
While coach Damien Hardwick declined to take the stage, Richmond's now two-time premiership skipper Trent Cotchin spoke on behalf of the club.
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"I'm just so proud of both of our teams, it's been an incredible week. There's been some hard-luck stories that we take our hats off to. Just the love I have personally for our group and our football club is very special and something I'm very grateful for," Cotchin said.
"Inside of this room, we're so welcoming of everyone. I sit there with Bachar (Houli), Marlion (Pickett) and Jack (Riewoldt), and to see the way the boys have embraced having the (players') kids in today's celebrations and throughout this year is pretty incredible. Without the family and the support we have here tonight … this isn't possible.
"Having done it before – I don't want to sound like a wanker – but I just held back and watched everyone celebrate and enjoy the lap of honour. I was quite emotional after the game; it's been a big year but also a big three weeks."
Cotchin reserved special words for the family members present.
"Obviously there's a reason you guys are here inside this room. But as I said after the game, we get the amazing opportunity to go out there and play for something as amazing as that (premiership cup)," he said.
"You guys are effectively the heart and blood that pumps around us when we're out there. Without you guys, there's no way we'd ever be able to do what we do and I'm just incredibly grateful for what everyone does.
"Everyone has a role to play, whether that be on-field or off-field, family and friends, just the love and care you give us makes us better people and we're incredibly grateful for that."
