Spirit of ’74 recounts the story of a significant trade involving the Tigers, reminiscent of a titanic event.
In 2024, as part of the celebrations for Richmond’s victorious 1974 season, we revisit a significant trade deal involving the Tigers during the early months of that year.
Just days after the infamous Windy Hill brawl, Richmond executed one of the AFL/VFL’s most renowned player swaps. The club traded dual premiership player Rex Hunt to Geelong in exchange for tall defender Gareth Andrews.
Negotiations between the two clubs had been ongoing for weeks, culminating in a meeting in Werribee, halfway between their respective home grounds. Graeme Richmond, a key figure in the Tiger hierarchy, facilitated the deal, which satisfied both players.
Richmond had expressed interest in Andrews since the conclusion of the 1973 season, while Andrews, a veteran of the Cats, was eager to join Richmond. He had grown frustrated with his limited opportunities at Geelong, often serving as the 19th or 20th man in the team. Living in Richmond at the time, Andrews found the frequent commute to Geelong burdensome.
Although Andrews had previously committed to continuing his career at Geelong, the club eventually agreed to the trade. Hunt, a member of Richmond’s premiership-winning teams in 1969 and 1973, had also voiced dissatisfaction with his playing time at Tigerland. He submitted a letter of resignation early in the 1974 season, but the Tigers considered him an essential player until the swap with Andrews was finalized.
Andrews, who had been part of Geelong’s 1967 Grand Final side that lost to Richmond, seamlessly transitioned to Tigerland. He made his debut for Richmond in Round 8 of the 1974 season, impressing as a solid performer in the backline during a victory against North Melbourne.
Throughout the season, Andrews played a pivotal role in Richmond’s successful premiership campaign, earning recognition as one of the team’s top players. He retired from league football at the end of the 1975 season, having made 31 senior appearances for Richmond.
Meanwhile, Hunt made an immediate impact at Geelong, delivering a standout performance on debut with 19 disposals, 10 marks, and a goal in a victory against Collingwood. He enjoyed a successful season at the Cattery, finishing equal-fifth in the Brownlow Medal with 15 votes. After a brief stint at Geelong, Hunt later joined St Kilda, where he played for three years.
