Richmond Tigers roar in celebration after AFL Grand Final victory

TIGERS players roared into Crown Palladium with premiership medals hanging from their necks and beaming smiles, kicking off a massive night of celebrations that could end up being the biggest party Richmond has ever seen.

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RICHMOND’S Tigers have kicked off their celebrations in style with a party at Crown.

The team began a massive night of celebrations that could end up being the biggest party Richmond has ever seen.

While the fans celebrated on the streets, players arrived at Crown’s Palladium for the official after-party to roars from their family, friends and a select few lucky supporters.

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The Tigers celebrate with the AFL premiership cup. Picture: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

Dusty takes some timeout from celebrations at @Richmond_FC function to check out his work in tomorrow's paper alongside Mum and Ralph Carr pic.twitter.com/WmvG6Jt5HE

— Andrew McCormack (@_AMcCormack) September 30, 2017

Dustin Martin celebrates at Crown. Picture: Getty Images

Premiership medals hung from their necks and smiles beamed from their faces.

A circle of fans moved wherever Dustin Martin did.

Coach Damien Hardwick joked that although the players could now celebrate, Dusty was only allowed “two more beers”.

Martin’s manager Ralph Carr said the premiership was the pinnacle — “the moment” — of his relationship with the tattooed star.

He tipped Dusty would add a Richmond best and fairest to his growing trophy collection.

“He’s just grown as a person,” Carr said of Dusty’s AFL evolution.

“Sometimes we expect too much from kids who are 17, 18, 19.

“We expect them to be adults and do everything right. Let me tell you, none of us are perfect at that age.”

Richmond players hold the cup aloft at their celebration party. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Richmond president Peggy O’Neal has declared “united Richmond” a powerful force, just a year after her leadership was challenged.

A rogue group of Tigers heavyweights attempted to unsettle the club’s board after declaring it had lost its way last season.

But a year later, O’Neal — flanked on stage by Richmond’s coaches and players — had the last laugh.

“A united Richmond is a powerful force,” she said.

“Being strong and bold has delivered us a premiership cup. So go Tigers.”

Trent Cotchin and his teammates rejoice in their win. Picture: Getty Images

O’Neal also paid tribute to the players and their leader, coach Damian Hardwick.

“You are no premiership players and your names are etched in Richmond history,” she said.

“I want to single out our Captain, Trent Cotchin, whose leadership has been inspirational in 2017.”

Of Hardwick, O’Neal said that the board “knew we had the right man”.

Hardwick had repeatedly come under fire, facing calls to be axed on a number of occasions.

“You are a man of great character, you are selfless and you only ever wanted to deliver one thing for our club — a premiership cup,” O’Neal said. “That mission is now accomplished.”