Maffra teen Tiger Chessum may be anointed the ultimate Richmond fan

FOR 16 years the life of a teen named Tiger has been a roar deal, but that may be about to change if Richmond take home their first premiership in 37 years on Saturday.

• No ticket? Ways to watch the Grand Final
• Granny names dog after Brownlow medallist Dustin Martin
• Showers expected before the AFL Grand Final bounce

FOR 16 years his life has been a roar deal, but that may be about to change.

Growing up the butt of playground jokes, a teen named Tiger may be anointed the ultimate Richmond fan if his side take home their first premiership in 37 years on Saturday.

“It’s been a rough 16 years being named after a team that hasn’t been very successful,” he said.

“I’ve always asked my mum, ‘why couldn’t you just call me Liam?’”

“But now I feel like I’m the lucky one, if we win I’ll make sure everyone knows who I am.”

Tiger Chessum is not only named after the club but lives and breathes all things Richmond. Picture: Tony Gough

Tiger Chessum of Maffra, 220km east of Melbourne, has spent a lifetime explaining his name is neither a joke or nickname, but rather the result of having a mum who worships Richmond.

The family of Nicole Rodwell, 39, thought she was joking when she told them her only son would be called Tiger.

However, it was no laughing matter, the former cheer-squad member saying as a third generation Tigers diehard it was set in stone before he was even born.

Tiger Chessum and his mum Nicole Rodwell. Picture: Tony Gough

“No one thought I was serious and would actually name him Tiger once he arrived,” she said.

“But I was certain from the get go, I’d settled on it when I was about six-months pregnant.

“I’m proud as punch and I’m so happy they’re finally in the Grand Final so he can wear the name loud and proud.”

Growing up idolising club legend Matthew “Richo” Richardson, Tiger plays as a full-forward in the U16s side at Heyfield Football Club and has won the league’s lead goalkicker twice.

Tiger with Richmond club captain Trent Cotchin in 2015. Picture: Supplied

Tiger with mum Nicole on their way to a game. Picture: Supplied

While he disappointingly missed out on Grand Final tickets, he plans to spend the weekend watching the game with friends and family who have jumped on board the Tiger train.

“I probably won’t go as far as naming my kids after the club, but I’ll be convincing the whole town to shift teams if we win.”

[e-mail]