I am SO proud of our Tigers!!! The last few weeks have been nothing but turmoil! From our losses in the Wizard Cup and the practice matches to the much publicized comments of Tony Jewell following his departure from the board, to the resignations of first two, then three board members -- I don't think many people gave Richmond a chance of winning. I think even the most devout Tiger fan had to wonder what this had done to the morale of our boys. Coach Danny Frawley sounded confident and secure in his press statements but what was he really feeling?

I think those questions were answered!! I think the boys made a LOUD statement this opening game of the season!! WOOOO HOOOO TIGERS!! I am so proud of you!!! I am bursting with pride!!!

I know this is only one game but it was a huge game for us. A loss would have brought about all kinds of questions that may or may not have been warranted. A victory squelches those questions, or at least postpones them. One victory hardly means we're a shoe-in for the Grand Final, but one victory does mean the Tigers intend to fight and fight and win!

Your letters are welcome! I'll post them right here!

From: Chris Greenway
Sent: Friday, March 26, 2004 4:53 PM
Okay, I can't speak properly and won't be able to at least until Monday. Got to get the vocal chords back in training. It was awesome, Becky. It really was. You can't get carried away with a Rd 1 win, but this is the best and biggest we've had for a while. The commitment and tenacity from every single player from first gamer Brent Hartigan to the captain 250+ gamer Wayne Campbell was fantastic to watch. Coughlan copped a cut over his eye that needed 5 stitches and still went tearing down the field to kick a goal with blood streaming over his face. Krakouer was electric. Richo was well....he was Richo, but the good Richo, not the bad Richo. Browny was awe inspiring in his first proper game for the yellow and black. We waved the Pie supporters goodbye midway through the last quarter. Aaaahhhhhh it's good to be a winner.

Oh yeah, we're top of the ladder too.!

Oh, we're from Tigerland, a fighting fury we're from Tigerland......

Chris.

From: Alexander Pelic
Sent: Saturday, March 27, 2004 5:41 PM
How FANTASTIC is was Friday night. I still cannot believe it. We played some of the best footy I have seen from Richmond in a long long time. We played as a team, and as a strong team. And how about Richo. I feel like an absolute goose cause of what I stated about him saying that I would like him better in other colours. And he is proving me and all his other critics wrong. Let's hope that he can continue this form along with the team. Still, it is only round one and there are another twenty-one rounds till the finals. There is a long time to go. Nathan Brown was also outstanding. Sure 2.5 isn't the most accurate but he pitched in with 29 good disposals. Other highs from the game were Andy Krakouer and David Rodan. Krakouer played a lot in the midfield or there abouts and did really well. For a small guy he has tremendous courage and guts. And what's more there were no serious injuries. How good is that. Now we just have to back it up by beating Melbourne next Friday. I am looking forward to it.

UP THE TIGERS

Pelic