Richmond break 16-game losing streak against Hawthorn thanks to Michael and Brendon Gale

The Gale brothers – Michael and Brendon – helped the Tigers exorcise their Hawthorn demons on a wet Easter weekend at Waverley 25 years ago, breaking an almighty hoodoo.

RIchmond’s Michael Gale, brother of Brendon, in 1995.

Richmond ended its worst losing streak against one-time nemesis Hawthorn 25 years ago this week, despite kicking fewer goals than their opponent.

It was the appropriately named Gale brothers – key forward Brendon and powerful midfielder Michael – who led the way in the 4.16 (40) to 5.4 (34) win at a windy and waterlogged at Waverley Park.

The Tigers had been the Hawks' 'bunnies', having lost 16 games in a row dating back to 1985, but chose the 1995 Easter Sunday game to make a stand.

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Michael Gale, who had joined his brother at Punt Road the previous year after an impressive career with Fitzroy, had 25 disposals, while Brendon kicked two of the Tigers' four goals, including the matchwinner.

Matthew Richardson kicked the Tigers' other two goals.

Michael's memories of the game were a little sketchy this week, but he recalled it was part of a seven-game streak that gave John Northey's Tigers the perfect start to a season as they swept through to a preliminary final.

But he recounted the importance of overcoming the Hawks, a team that had caused the Tigers so much pain.

Matthew Richardson and Michael Gale at training in 1996.

Michael Gale, joined the Tigers in 1994.

"I remember going to see Brendon play against Hawthorn a few times when they got thrashed," Michael told the Herald Sun.

"There was even a time (in 1992) when Jason Dunstall kicked 17 goals against the Tigers at Waverley.

"We had a really good group in 1995 – (including) ‘Bondy’ (Chris Bond), Jamie Tape, Scotty Turner, ‘Cambo’ (Wayne Campbell), Stuey (Maxfield), ‘Richo’, Nick Daffy, Paul Broderick, Matty Knights, Matthew Rogers and Duncan Kellaway.

"’Swoop’ (coach John Northey) was great. I loved playing under Swoop."

Michael Gale, now 53, played 105 games with Fitzroy from 1986-1993 before moving to play 91 games with Richmond from 1994-1998.

His only three finals came in that 1995 year, but he was lucky to return after breaking his collarbone in Round 15 and still has praise for the Tigers' medical staff.

The season ended with a preliminary final loss to Geelong.

"To play with your brother at the highest level was such a thrill," he said. "We spent hours and hours (playing footy) at the end of the street until it was dark."

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Michael runs a plumbing business and his two sons – 11-year-old Wilf and seven-year-old Smith – are starting to show interest in the game and the Tigers.

Both were due to start playing with South Melbourne Districts this season, but that has been put on hold.

Michael says Brendon – 18 months his junior – has done a great job in helping to reshape Richmond’s direction, leading to the biggest membership in football and two flags in the past three seasons.

"I'm extremely proud," he said. "He's a bit flat at the moment (with the AFL shutdown), but he's done a great job for the club."

Gale laments the loss of Fitzroy – the club merged with Brisbane in late 1996 – but still keeps in close contact with his former Lions teammates.

But he does follow the Tigers and was lucky enough to be there with his son Wilf in last year’s Grand Final.

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Originally published as Richmond break 16-game losing streak against Hawthorn thanks to Michael and Brendon Gale