Richmond is certainly familiar with Wangaratta after visits to Norm Minns Oval in 2013 and 2014 to take on Essendon and Collingwood, respectively.
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North East fans turned out in force on those occasions but this time the Tigers return as premiers so they’re sure to be even louder when they take on the Bombers on Saturday afternoon.
We’ve dug back through the archives and found some great shots from four and five years ago. Can you spot a supporter you know?
Rivals decide on big show of strength in their JLT series match
Richmond will field a near-full-strength side against a similarly strong Essendon in their opening JLT Community Series match at Wangaratta on Saturday.
While teams often rest key players in pre-season games at this time of year, the Tigers and Bombers are mindful there are only two full-scale pre-season games this year before round one.
Their stance is expected to be shared by most clubs in their first serious pre-season game, clearly a reaction to the AFL’s reduction of JLT games and introduction of AFLX.
The Dons said they were likely to play all three of the recruits they signed during the trade period – Jake Stringer, Devon Smith and Adam Saad.
Richmond’s head of football Neil Balme said the Tigers expected their leading players – Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin, Alex Rance and Jack Riewoldt – to play in the first JLT game, although their time might be managed.
