Richmond’s $5 million premiership bonanza

ULTIMATE success on the field has fuelled a remarkable cash injection at Richmond’s with the Tigers rolling in record merchandise sales and eyeing 90,000 members.

RICHMOND’S drought-breaking flag has fuelled a $5 million cash bonanza.

Record merchandise sales and the biggest memorabilia clearance in the history of Australian sport have sparked the Punt Rd windfall.

YEAR OF THE TIGER: RELIVE RICHMOND’S INCREDIBLE FLAG

The resurgent Tigers are also aiming to become footy’s first club to crash through the 90,000-member mark.

Richmond’s stunning premiership win has the club in prime position to bust through the 90,000 member mark in 2018. Picture: Mark Stewart

“Clearly the success this season is going to drive a significant off-field result, some of which will flow into next year’s financial figures,” Richmond president Peggy O’Neal said.

“We also expect this season will fuel next year — and there is no reason why we shouldn’t be aiming to be the first club through 90,000 members.”

Richmond’s contentious yellow “clash strip” worn in the Grand Final win against Adelaide has sold out across the country with a new batch to hit the shelves in the coming weeks.

The Tigers carry zero debt and will be handed a dream schedule of matches, including a spree of prized Friday night games, when the 2018 fixture is released next week.

Major sponsor Jeep has recommitted until the end of 2020, while health insurer nib has replaced Bingle as the club’s other major partner.

Apparel supplier Puma was one of nine second-tier sponsors to join the club during the 2017 season.

Swinburne University bought Punt Rd Oval naming rights in May as part of a four-year deal that will see the two entities join forces on a proposed redevelopment of the precinct.

The celebrations are still going off the field for Richmond, with news of a huge cash windfall. Picture: Ian Currie

Richmond has also established a major subsidiary business, Aligned Leisure, managing eight leisure centres in the Shire of Cardinia as well as the Eltham Leisure Centre.

“The club has been prudent in its financial management ... and we are now in a very sound position,” O’Neal said.

Richmond’s premiership heroes have also cashed in on the club’s first Grand Final win since 1980.

More than $1.2 million in AFL premiership prizemoney has been split between the club and all listed players.

Dustin Martin — the first player to win the Brownlow Medal, Norm Smith Medal and a premiership medal in the same season — has emerged as one of the most marketable names in the game.

Martin’s manager, Ralph Carr, has likened his star power to soccer superstar David Beckham.

“He’s a new-age, authentic, marketable brand,” Carr said today.

Richmond president Peggy O’Neal and and CEO Brendon Gale have enjoyed great success off the field following the Tigers premiership. Picture: Sarah Matray

“He’s appealing to multinational companies that are trying to reach a broader audience.

“There’s incredible interest in Dustin, but he is selective about what he lends his brand to. He’s a star, and a deserving one.”

The Tigers will unveil their premiership flag at the MCG on Thursday, March 22 in their traditional season-opener against Carlton at the MCG.

League chiefs have also signed off on the continuation of Richmond’s annual Anzac Day eve clash against Melbourne on Tuesday, April 24.

This year’s game drew a massive 85,657 fans — Melbourne’s biggest home-and-away crowd since 1964.