It's interesting following the plight of the once all powerful Blues.
The last few years resemble us in the late 80's early 90's with wooden spoons, crap lists and no money. (the exception is the continual change of coach)
They currently have 19000 members and are some 7000 down on the same time last year , more than likely because the bandwagoners have jumped off because of no wizard cup.
Richmond has somehow managed to stay afloat despite its continual lack of performance.
The Blues with multiple flags in the 80's and in 95, R/up in 93 & 99 and many finals appearances have completely fallen off the perch and look headed for another wooden spoon which could mean an even more perilous outlook.
The Big 4 as it was known is now the Big 2, Essendon and Collingwood.
It is a credit to our supporters for really sticking fat as a past employee once muted.
It's is well and truly time for our club to start paying back it's loyal supporters by making grand finals tickets available to members who have financialy supported Richmond especially in the last 10 years. The Gold/Silver/Bronze concept is a good one but could be better to reward the hard liners like us.
Back to the Blues and the combination of Optus Ovals legends grandstand, salary cap rorting penalties, years of mismanagement by John Elliot, pathetic list management and above all the arrogance that they and their supporters have shown over the years has come back and well and truly bitten them on the bum. No one except Collingwood and Essendon deserve it more than Carlton.
We are well placed to take over their mantle and become the 3rd biggest team in Victoria. Supporter wise we are not far behind, membership wise we need to lift. Waking the sleeping giant in Richmond won't happen overnight, but the foundations seem to be in place. We have and will continue to do our job in supporting Richmond financialy, it is up to our Board and brain's trust to steer the SS Richmond away from the storms and inclement weather and into the ports of Monte Carlo and Tahiti.
The Blues have many years of rebuilding in front of them and poor membership, lack of major sponsors and poor attendances will ensure they lose even more money and support. We have a golden opportunity here to start touting for blockbuster games at the G to regain our status as a major player in the league, get a better deal from the MCG, get better draws from the AFL and help bring our financial status akin to an Essendon or West Coast.
A golden oppotunity now that the G is finished, comeon Richmond the time is now!