Tommy Hafey

[Dyer'ere]

On another occasion, two Summers ago, I went for a morning walk/jog (getting slower and slower as the belly gets heavier). I came up to Diamond Bay Beach at the end of my physical ordeal to enjoy the view. It was one of those chrystal mornings, not a breath of wind, not a ripple in the water, not a soul around. I stood at the top of the stairs in silence. As I stood there someone approached behind me and stopped next to me in silence. I turned to see Tommy standing next to me looking out to sea. "Morning Tommy"......"G'day young fella, amazing isn't it"........"sure is". No more words were passed and after a few moments I left him there to the view.

He didn't remember me by face but I had arranged Tommy for a speaking gig at a Richmond Melbourne game for the company I worked for about 12 years ago. I met him outside the G and walked with him into the box and introduced him around. We had a sit down meal and then Tommy got up and did his thing. I have heard him speak on many occasions and he never failed to make me feel like booting the boots back on or to exercise more, or work harder. He was unequalled as a motivator. When the game was about to start, he grabbed his footy record and went straight down to the seats to watch the game. I didn't need an invitation and burnt a few of our customers to grab the seat next to him. I didn't move from my seat and sat with him the whole game listening to his thoughts on the game, state of play and the players we had. His love for Richmond was undisputed. He talked of the basics; manning the mark, chasing, shepherding, tackling, going forward etc. Could have coached us again then and still been better than the coaches we have had.

After that day Tommy called me every year all the way up to about a year ago. He came to know me on the phone; my kids names and my wife. It never felt like he was drumming up business. It just felt like he was calling for a chat. We would usually talk about the Tigers and my business. I used to love it if he called when someone was around. I would cup the phone and excuse myself to anyone that could hear that Tommy Hafey was on the phone. I know I am just one of many thousands that Tommy would call but gee I felt special.

Even after all the phone calls, seeing him at Diamond Bay that morning, I just wanted him to enjoy the view.

Great moment, ItB. Finely recounted.

"Heaven is ever-opening vistas."

 

[StandUpSonandheDid]

never met the guy but love hearing all of these stories.

R.I.P Tommy "born into eternity"

 

[rokin.tiger]

@brettdeledio03 "This one is for you Tommy! #TshirtTommy #RIPTommy"

Would love everyone rockin these tomorrow.

Rest in Peace great man!

 

[B1 and B2]

Some great photos on RFC Website of players / coaches all wearing Tommy T-Shirts.

B1

 

[Bullarto Tiger]

Tommy Hafey shook my hand on two occasions, several years apart.
Both times I walked away with my hand wringing from the crushing it received from the great man.
The one minute of applause for Hafey at tomorrow's game will be a memorable experience.
Vale Tommy, an immortal Tiger.

 

[Bullarto Tiger]

Great to see the Swans' banner pay tribute to Tommy. Well done Sydney.

 

[Tony Braxton-Hicks]

I missed it. Can you please describe it?

 

[theglove3]

Not sure if this is the appropriate place to post.

Those grey T shirts (in honor of Tommy) the players wore looked great.
Are they available to purchase?
The club should think pro-actively here with funds going to Alannah & Madeleine fund or a Cancer fund somewhere.
They would fly off the shelves.

RFC Official maybe can confirm if the club is thinking about this.
It's a no brainer I reckon.

Cheers!

 

[Bullarto Tiger]

I missed it. Can you please describe it?

Can't remember the exact wording, TBH, as I just caught a glimpse of the banner ... but, I think it said something like: "Farewell Tommy. Thank you."

 

[smasha]

Haven't got any Adidas T's but I found a Richmond heritage T with this written on it.

The GREAT and REMARKABLE TIGERS
Adored and Beloved by thousands everywhere
WILL PERFORM
Great Feats Of Football Skill And Dexterity
And BEDAZZLE their OPPONENTS
With their Skillful and Adroit handling of the Leather
AND BE THE DESPAIR
of all those who would dare
To enter the Tigers lair
EAT' EM ALIVE


This was written at the time of Hafey's and Richmond's dynasty.

 

[Bullarto Tiger]

There are going to be some spine-tingling moments before the first bounce today, particularly when Maureen Hafey and their three daughters place the four premiership cups on pedestals at the ground ... the arrival and presence of all those great RFC premiership players ... and also during the minute of applause for the legendary Tiger.
Win, lose or draw it will be a fitting and moving tribute to one of the greatest Tigers of all-time.

 

[Midsy]

Sorry Tommy.

 

[Baloo]

Sorry Tommy.

+1

 

[seven]

Maybe they could have spent less time look at tee shirts and more time training.

 

[artball]

and less time worried about their hair

 

[Ridley]

Sorry Tommy.

What are you apologising for? It's the pansy players and moronic coaches that should be apologising.

Yet another statement game, yet another epic RFC failure. No one does it better than the RFC.

I'm just glad Tommy wasn't here to see it. A shameful day in the history of the RFC. It's a long list now.

 

[Ridley]

@brettdeledio03 "This one is for you Tommy! #TshirtTommy #RIPTommy"

Would love everyone rockin these tomorrow.

Rest in Peace great man!

Yet again talking the talk but not walking the walk RFC. What a bunch of frauds.

 

[B1 and B2]

Really hard not to have a tear today before the game.

Was expecting players to do some push ups..

B2

 

[mad_tiggy911]

Disgraceful effort. Disgusted.

 

[St Kevin]

Yet again talking the talk but not walking the walk RFC. What a bunch of frauds.

Spot on Rids. RFC full of platitudes and always say the right thing, but in reality all hot air.

All players and coaches should be absolutely ashamed of themselves for this display. It was actually disgusting to watch.