The most important thing for the uninitiated fan to know about Australian Rules Football is that we -- you, me, our friends, our family, everyone we know -- are Tiger Fans! If you know nothing else, know that!

Biased, you say?! Nah! When you're new to a sport you've got to pick a team somehow, so you might as well take my sage advice! :-)

Now for the bad news. We've lost our first game of the season.

* sigh *

Richmond ("Carn the Tiges!") on the other hand scored 8 goals, which means the ball went untouched through the tall, inside uprights 8 times; and 18 behinds, which means the ball went through the outer uprights (there are four goalposts) 18 times, for a total of 66 points. Kicking 18 behinds is Good News/Bad News. The good news is that we were near the goal 18 times. The bad news is that we missed a lot, so we were either taking pot shots that didn't have a chance or our accuracy was not so good. I didn't actually get to listen to the game because it came on in the middle of the night in the US, so I can't really say for sure what happened this time but we'll be able to analyze it in greater detail as the year progresses.

You are going to stick around for a few games, aren't you? Ohhhh, please do!! Aussie Rules is SO much fun!! I promise!

Now...a lot of people are going to point the finger at Richo for our loss. Richo, pronounced just like it's spelled (RICH-o, long o sound) is veteran Matthew Richardson. Last year in round one, he kicked six goals and helped the Tigers to victory against Collingwood, but then tore his hamstring in Round 2 (Thanks, Chris!), missed several games and struggled with his attitude. Those problems are hopefully behind him now and he's signed a three year contract at Tigerland.

This week he had seven scoring shots of which only one went through for a goal. He takes a lot of media and fan flack for being hot and cold from game to game so you'll have to form your own opinion as we go through the season but I'm happy to stand beside him for now. Coach Danny Frawley, whom I like a lot, came to his defence (not a typo, that's the Aussie spelling!) in the media following the game so that's endorsement enough for me.

If you want to read stories or see piccies (the Australian word for pictures), you can go to the Aussie equivalent of NFL.com: AFL.com.au or you can go directly to the Richmond Football Club home page. Both sites are chock full of stories and great information.

Hi Becky,

Good to hear you're on board with the mighty Richmond Tigers!

cheers
Tony
(Melbourne, Australia)

G'day Becky!

I wasn't able to go to last night's game, saw it on TV, we were a little bit disappointing at times but considering we were playing last year's runners up in the Grand Final it wasn't too bad. I'll be at next week's game against The Bulldogs no worries.

Yep, Rex Hunt is a blast to listen to. Actually I'm glad you mentioned him because I'd completely forgot there are other games on now and so I just turned on my radio

:-)

Take care and Go Tiges!
cheers
Tony
(Melbourne, Australia)

Becky

Glad to see a fellow fan of the Richmond Tigers all the way from the US. I will have to do a little research into your Seahawks now! :)

Cheers

Michelle in Oz
"Eat em alive Tigers"

Hi Becky,

I'm a died in the wool, born and bred Richmond Tigers supporter. Paid up member for the last 6 years. Yes, I must have more money than sense. I got directed to your site by David Clayton. I liked what you wrote and was impressed that you were able to do a game review of game 1 so quickly. I have one correction to make to your game review. Yes, Richo did tear a hammy early in the season last year, but it was not during his glorious performance against the Pies in Rd 1, it was actually during our inglorious performance against the Bombers in Rd 2 (one of the many reasons I actually hate them more than Collingwood. I'm ashamed that Kevin Sheedy played 250 games and in 3 Premierships for the Tiges).

You also stated your support for Spud Frawley. I have a little issue with that. There's nothing wrong with the bloke, he's a very nice, honest man and he played his heart out for St Kilda, but Friday night convinced me that he's not the man to coach the Tigers, aside from 2001 when everything went right, we've played without direction. I'm afraid that comes down to the coach.

Anyway just a note to say keep it up, it's nice to see a supporter from somewhere other than Melbourne and if you're prepared to stick with us for the long haul we may reward your with some glory in the future, just don't expect it this season.

Chris Greenway.

GO TIGERS!!

Regards
Jeremy King

Hi Becky,

Great to see you're a Tigers fan.

Don't lose hope or faith, the Mighty Tiges will rise to the challenges ahead of us this year. Richo will kick lots of goals and take my word for it, Mark Chaffey (number 6) will win our Best and Fairest (MVP equiv.) this year. He's a champ.

GO TIGES

Regards
Chris

Hi Becky,

My name is Jayne and I have just checked out your site in regards to the Tigers. I receive newsletters from Richmond Football Club daily and your site was recommended to check out. I have been a Richmond supporter for the majority of my life - 31 years to be precise. I absolutely love them and follow them no matter how badly we do. I remember our last Grand Final win. It was so long ago but every year I say that it will be our year. Last year looked so promising but too many injuries ruined our chances. Let's hope that this year is better and we can at least finish in the top 8. I think we all need to get behind our players and also our great coach, Danny "Spud" Frawley.

It is great to see that an American has warmed to our great game, but even better to see that you are a Tigers fanatic. I have bookmarked your site to check out in great detail when I have some more time.

"In Victory We Strive, Let's Eat 'Em Alive"

Kind regards,
Jayne Cole

Hi Becky

Saw your web page via Richmond site, what is a "relatively" normal looking girl like you doing barracking for us Tigers, you must be a masochist.

Regards

John Fitzgibbon