Richmond board spill: prominent members, premiership players call for challenge

UPDATE: RICHMOND president Peggy O’Neal says the rival ticket to the club’s board has not asked the current Tigers board to stand down.

Dustin Martin can't hide his frustration after a loss.

RICHMOND president Peggy O’Neal says the rival ticket to the club’s board, led by Dr Martin Hiscock, has not asked the current Tigers board to stand down.

The rival ticket that includes Hiscock, premiership players Bruce Monteath and Bryan Wood, alongside Philip Allison, Margaret (Mag) Kearney, former club medico Dr David Marsh OAM and Ingrid Williams announced their challenge to the club’s board this morning.

But O’Neal has called for stability, declaring Richmond has no hope of achieving on-field success without it.

“We’re always looking at board review. What we are committed to is a board that has a skills mix,” O’Neal said.

“We have a lot of football knowledge (on the board) but a football club isn’t just football. The financial stability gives you the platform to launch for a premiership.

Richmond president Peggy O'Neal and CEO Brendon Gale addressed the media this afternoon. Picture: Michael Klein

“We’ve achieved one, the other is a bit harder but we’re on the right way and I still think we’re on the right track but we need to make some changes.

“Football is what we’re about and the ultimate success if about bringing a premiership to Punt Rd, that’s what we’re all focused on.

“I do know if you don’t have off-field stability and financial stability, we have no hope of on-field success.”

O’Neal said she was only left a voicemail by the “Focus on Football” group and was not afforded the courtesy of a meeting or ability to respond.

“We weren’t afforded the courtesy of anyone meeting with us or telling us it (the announcement) was going to happen but we had heard something was underway, yes,” she said.

“They didn’t ask the board to withdraw, they asked for a meeting.

“That’s what we’ll consider.”

IN POSITION: WHO’S ON RICHMOND’S BOARD NOW?

O’Neal is still considering whether to meet with the group, but took the opportunity to highlight the feats the current board has achieved, including reducing debt to zero, removing cricket from Punt Road Oval, record membership and the construction of an elite training facility.

O’Neal, who has been president since 2013, conceded that change is afoot at the club as the review into 2016 continues, but insisted it will be managed effectively by the current board.

“Naturally, what we all crave is on-field success,” she said.

“From the board down, we are bitterly disappointed with what unfolded in 2016. Our performance did not match expectations, and our members and fans are angry … they have every right to be and we hear them. We know today’s announcement concerning a board challenge, but what we are focused on right now is creating the change we need for on-field success.

Peggy O’Neal says the current Richmond board was not asked by the rival ticket to withdraw.

“The club has undertaken a thorough review of football operations and changes will be made as a result. This will require some hard decisions. Neither myself or the board or our CEO Brendon Gale will shy away from making those tough calls.

“Change is required and change will be made. Instability and change equals chaos, and I refuse to let that happen to my club.

“We believe there are more constructive ways of effecting structured, lasting change than those outlined today by those who seek to take over this board.”

Chief executive Brendon Gale, who’s position was guaranteed by the rival ticket should it be successful in forcing a spill, said he understands the disappointment of Richmond supporters but says the club is focused on turning things around.

“I understand why people are angry. It seemed to be motivated by a lot of emotion,” he said. “It has been a very disappointing year.

“We’re very focused and understanding of why we we’ve performed poorly this year and are addressing it.

Dr Martin Hiscock is heading up the group challenging Richmond’s board. Picture: Michael Klein

“We’ll get on with doing that.”

Gale dismissed suggestions that the club is looking to install Neil Balme as a senior football manager as speculation, and said he can understand why fans are angry after a below-par 2016.

The group challenging the Richmond board confirmed earlier today it wants to keep coach Damien Hardwick and has its eye on Neil Balme for a newly-created football position.

President-delegate Dr Martin Hiscock said he has “left messages” for Tigers president Peggy O’Neal, chief executive Brendon Gale and the AFL, but is yet to hear back from any party.

Hiscock said the group wants to have a “seamless” transition that has been in the works for some 18 months.

And snagging Neil Balme — who has reportedly declared he wants no part in the push — as a new “CEO of football” is top of the group’s agenda.

“We would like to speak to Neil Balme,” he said.

“Obvious choice. About to speak to him.

“I’ve tried to reach Peggy and couldn’t get through. Have left messages with them.”

He said there are “high-profile Richmond identities”, who were not named, who are backing the push.

“Make no mistake — this challenge is the real deal. There is a fighting fury amongst us. The Richmond Football Club is in crisis,” Hiscock declared.

“The current board has lived by a mantra of stability. This has now been replaced with overstated ‘strong and bold premiership club’, but there is nothing strong or bold about being complacent.

“It’s been difficult with all the mixed messages from Punt Road. If football isn’t taking a lot more seriously, it won’t be top eight next year, it will be bottom four.

“(We want an) inspired football culture … of success, accountability and ruthless, uncompromising football.

“We need to have right people and make right decisions. Clear decision has to involve a focus on football.”

Hiscock says the players have ability “but what concerns me is the attitude”.

He said the group has not spoken with any players at the club.

Proposed football director Bruce Monteath would not be drawn on whether the group would consider trading pick 6 for Dion Prestia, who has been open that the Tigers is his destination of choice.

The Richmond board challengers. From left to right: Philip Allison, David Marsh, Martin Hiscock, Margaret Kearney, Bryan Wood and Brude Monteith.

The group pushing for a spill of Richmond’s board is proposing a tilt at seven board positions.

“Focus On Footy” is led by Melbourne cardiologist Hiscock and wants to fill the remaining two board positions with “the best credentialed members” at the club’s AGM later this year.

The ticket comprises premiership players Bruce Monteath and Bryan Wood, along with Philip Allison, Margaret (Mag) Kearney, former club medico Dr David Marsh OAM, Ingrid Williams and Hiscock.

The group is gathered at Leo Berry’s Gym in Richmond with the Tigers theme song blaring through loudspeakers.

Bruce Monteith and Brian Wood will be installed as football directors should the challengers be installed as Richmond’s new board. Picture: Michael Klein

“The Richmond Football Club sits at a 35-year crossroad,” Hiscock said.

“It either continues down the same path as the most unsuccessful club in the competition or it takes a different road to competing in and winning premierships.

“We are 35 years into a five-year plan. It’s got to stop here immediately.”

The group endeavours to achieve football success and if successful in replacing the board will target the recruiting department as a key overhaul area after a number of failures, including lack of development of top picks and the signing of mature aged players that haven’t taken the club forward.