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Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale has called on everyone inspired by the late Tom Hafey to pay their respects at the MCG on Saturday.
Gale says the AFL club is still finalising plans for how best to honour Hafey, who won four VFL premierships as coach of the Tigers and died aged 82 on Monday after battling cancer.
But the CEO, who played 244 games for Richmond, suggested Saturday’s clash with Melbourne at the MCG would be an important celebration of Hafey’s “irrepressible zest for life” and “sincere affinity with people”.
“We’ll have a tribute at the ‘G and we’re certainly asking all those people who came into contact with Tommy and would like to pay their respects and pay tribute to come along,” Gale said.
“It’ll be a wonderful occasion.
“It’s a fitting venue, scene of many great memories and premiership triumphs.”
Gale on Tuesday recalled his first meeting with the Tigers icon at Punt Road Oval, describing his presence as awe-inspiring to a fresh-faced recruit.
Hafey had forged some sort of reputation, coaching 522 VFL games and maintaining a daily fitness regime that featured a 8km run and 250 push-ups.
But as the centre-half forward turned sports administrator started to form a closer bond with Richmond royalty, it became clear there was more to his aura than just football and fitness folklore.
“What stood out to me the most about Tommy was the extent to which he really cared about people,” Gale said.
“He was genuinely interested in people from all walks of life.
“To many players Tommy was like a father, and (wife) Maureen a mother, such was the affection they had for him.
“There wouldn’t be too many more optimistic or positive people than Tommy Hafey.”
Gale said he would forever cherish his final moments with Hafey, which came when he visited him last Wednesday.
Coach Damien Hardwick, captain Trent Cotchin, vice-captain Brett Deledio and Dale Weightman, a member of the Tigers’ team of the century, were alongside him.
“I don’t think he liked being laid up, but we talked about the team. It was pretty much footy talk,” he said.
“For us, being there was absolutely about saying thank you for contributing to the great club this is.”
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