Tigers fans get party started at MCG, Swan St

The party hasn’t stop for dedicated Tigers fans who have continued celebrating the club’s premiership win, with lucky pub-goers getting a surprise visit from Damien Harwick. RECAP THE CELEBRATIONS.

Tigers fans are still roaring after winning their second premiership in three years.

Coach Damien Hardwick visited the Richmond Club Hotel around 4.30 pm on Sunday afternoon.

Hardwick delighted excited fans, taking selfies with them outside busy pub on Swan St.

Fans Neil Williams, 67, and Cameron Williams, 29, have been celebrating since midday.

“I have been to every Tigers grand final since 1967,” Mr Williams said

Cameron Williams’ son is also a fan.

“The last 27 years have been heartache until two years ago,” Mr Williams said.

Dale Sutherland and Jessica King snapped a selfies with Damian Hardwick.

TIGERS FANS TURN RICHMOND INTO STREET PARTY ... AGAIN

Overjoyed Tigers fans celebrated their second flag in two years long into the night in Richmond.

Tens of thousands of chanting, singing fans packed onto Swan St after the final siren and stayed there until the early hours.

Flares were set off in the crowded precinct as supporters flooded the streets to party, revelling in the 89-point smackdown.

They spilt out of pubs, bars and restaurants onto the heaving street.

Swan Street was packed with people celebrating. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Avid supporter Curtis from Campbellfield was “buzzed” to witness the win and the post match chaos.

“Everyone is going a bit off their heads,” the 14-year-old said.

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick had teased a visit to Swan St but it didn’t eventuate. He told fans - and his players - at the MCG’s post-match Premiership Party: “We’re definitely doing Swan, aren’t we?”

Police and fans in the thick of it. @theheraldsun @superfooty pic.twitter.com/i7uiEJTxG6

— Tamsin Rose (@tamsinroses) September 28, 2019

Go Tigers #aflgrandfinal2019 pic.twitter.com/KCzatjQT3H

— damon johnston (@damonheraldsun) September 28, 2019

Dustin Martin added: “We’re going down Swan tonight. 100 per cent. I said we should get the bus with no roof.

But Hardwick’s reply was classic: “We want to get out of the joint, Dusty.”

Police move in as flares were set off on Swan Street. Picture: AAP Image/David Crosling

A man burns a sign in Swan Street. Picture: AAP Image/David Crosling

Fans partied on long into the night.

A jumps down from the roof of a building in Swan Street. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

A Richmond fan wearing distinctive glasses appeared on top of an awning at the corner of Swan St and Lennox St about 7pm.

He was handed a burning Toby Greene sign.

A heated scuffle broke out when police tried to arrest him — one of the few moments of disharmony throughout the evening.

Swan St getting a tad loose pic.twitter.com/t9K5w7pE1i

— Al Paton (@al_superfooty) September 28, 2019

Elsewhere, a GWS scarf was set alight as rowdy fans chanted about Greene, while some supporters lined up to get tattoos and haircuts after the game.

A barbershop in Swan Street hands out Dustin Martin-style hair cuts to Tigers fans. Picture: AAP Image/David Crosling

Thornbury town planner Joshua Devitt, 30, hopes his boss wouldn’t be too mad when he rocked up to work tomorrow sporting his new Dusty haircut.

“It’s gonna be a long night,” he said.

“Two years ago was all nerves and tonight is just pleasure.”

The king of Richmond... #aflgf https://t.co/16BrIu0FiP pic.twitter.com/IkDCb1fvCl

— Lauren Wood (@LaurenHeraldSun) September 28, 2019

Gary Rykers — a Tigers fanatic since 1980 — described the atmosphere as “pulsing”.

“I’m just ecstatic,” the 47-year-old from Melbourne’s northwest said.

“I love the fact the Tigers have come through adversity.”

Hundreds of police on foot and on horses patrolled Swan St and Lennox St.

They strictly enforced the no alcohol laws and closed at least one bottle shop early.

Flares were set off on Swan St. Picture: AAP Image/Erik Anderson

Director/actor Rachel Griffiths with Dustin Martin's father. Picture: Instagram

And in New Zealand, Hollywood star Rachel Griffiths joined Dusty’s dad, Shane Martin to watch the game.

They were spotted sharing a drink together in an Auckland sports bar.

Dusty gave a heartfelt tribute to his overseas father after the game.

“I just wanna say g’day to dad in New Zealand.

“I love you, mate.”

Fans line up to get tattoos tonight. Picture: Peter Rolfe

Tigers fans celebrate their team's victory in the 2019 AFL Grand Final by drinking out of a shoe. Picture: AAP Image/Erik Anderson

The party kicked off on Swan St. Picture: AAP Image/Erik Anderson

Fans break out into song.

The suburb turned into Tiger town tonight, as jubilant Richmond fans belted “We’re From Tigerland” from balconies, out windows and on the streets after the final siren sounded.

Rivers of roaring Tigers moved from the stadium, across Punt Rd and towards Swan St, singing as they walked to the pub precinct after their victory.

Dancing in the streets. Picture: AAP Image/Erik Anderson

Tiger supporters were pumped after the win. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

By 6pm, Swan St was a sea of yellow and black, with some wearing tiger suits while others had their faces painted.

Massive lines marked the entrance to every pub on the popular strip — and police guarded long lines outside bottle shops.

Swan St in full swing. Fans roaring. @theheraldsun @superfooty pic.twitter.com/6Tu18Zstiz

— Tamsin Rose (@tamsinroses) September 28, 2019

The Tigers are roaring #AFLGF @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/KldUAxYQW1

— Monique Hore (@moniquehore) September 28, 2019

Trash on Swan Street as revellers head home. Picture: Tony Gough

Melbourne dad Danny Campbell brought his kids Isach, 13, and Holly, 15, to the game.

They beamed ear to ear as they made their way to Swan St for the celebrations.

“I’m not entirely sure where we will end up but I just want to sing,” he said.

“This is just so good.”

Teen Holly said it was “overwhelming”.

Tigers fan Danny and kids Isach and Holly. Picture: Tamsin Rose

THE TIGER ARMY CELEBRATES

The second premiership proved doubly sweet for the Richmond cheersquad packed behind the goals at the MCG.

Hillsy Roberts, an exclusive Club 3121 member, said she loved the club “to death”.

“The people are beautiful,” she said.

“We weren’t doing very good for 30 years so 2017 was a magic feeling,” she said.

“This is special too. It’s no less special.

“We have finally got this really magical team, who love each other and play for each other.”

Hillsy Roberts celebrates the Tigers' win after the siren. Picture: Monique Hore

Ms Roberts was decked out in yellow and black, carrying a Tiger hand puppet nicknamed Cuzzo that she has brought to matches since Ben Cousins donned the club colours.

Very impressive work from this bagpipe player. Keeping the Richmond crowds entertained between Punt Rd and Swan St. @theheraldsun @superfooty pic.twitter.com/tKm2wcLKXJ

— Tamsin Rose (@tamsinroses) September 28, 2019

There was also no doubt who Renai Delaney, wearing a Tiger onesie and with painted nails, barracked for today.

She flew down from Brisbane with a ticket to the club’s live site at Punt Rd but not the ground - until a man offered her one as she walked around the concourse.

“I can’t believe I’m here,” she said.

“My heart is going so fast.”

Renai Delaney celebrates the Tigers' win. Picture: Monique Hore

While she named Pickett’s goal as her favourite grand final moment, she refused to pick a top player.

“Someone asked me whose number I was going to get on the back of my jumper but I couldn’t pick,” she said.

“I feel like they are all my sons and it would be picking my favourite son.”

Kurt Whitta, 29, sat behind the goals and began crying when Lambert slotted a goal.

He started again when the Sunday Herald Sun asked why he loved the Tigers.

“I never thought I’d see us win a flag - or even be in a grand final - and now we’ve won two,” he said.

The Tiger Army descended on the MCG early this morning, with only small pockets of orange amid the crowd.

Richmond fans spilling across Punt Rd as they make their way toward Swan St. @theheraldsun @superfooty pic.twitter.com/7Kq3TA2gw4

— Tamsin Rose (@tamsinroses) September 28, 2019

Clint Bryant was among the army and said the last day in September had been a “very, very, very Tiger good” day.

“After my wedding day, the birth of my three children and my grandson, this is the best day of my life.”

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While Mr Bryant missed out on witnessing Richmond’s drought-breaking premiership in 2017, supporter Ian Boucher said today’s performance was better than the one two years ago.

The 35-year member travelled from Carisbrook, between Ballarat and Bendigo, to be at the game.

“I’m just ecstatic,” he said.

“It was a lot better atmosphere (today). There were a lot more Tigers supporters here.”

Asked what exactly he loved about the boys in yellow and black, he said: “It’s just because they’re Richmond.”