Damien Hardwick’s job as Richmond coach boils down to rediscovering the precious legacy that Tom Hafey left and the Tigers somehow squandered.
Hardwick and his players wore commemorative tops at Friday training in memory of “T-Shirt Tommy”, who died on Monday aged 82.
The club also handed out cups of tea – the favourite drink for the life-long fitness fanatic who famously never drank alcohol or smoked.
The Tigers will honour their four-time premiership coach at Saturday’s AFL match against Melbourne at the MCG.
The same ground will host Hafey’s funeral service on Monday.
Saturday’s pre-game lunch will feature a speech by fellow coaching legend Kevin Sheedy, who counted Hafey as one of his biggest influences and best friends.
Sheedy has been too distraught this week to speak publicly.
Members of Hafey’s family and players from his four Richmond premiership teams will also walk onto the MCG before the match.
Rather than a minute’s silence, fans will be encouraged to give a minute’s applause.
Hardwick wished he had known Hafey better, but spoke fondly on Friday morning about one of football’s most remarkable figures.
As soon as he became Richmond coach in late 2009, Hardwick was handed a club history.
He went straight to the chapters about Hafey, who led the Tigers to their golden era of four flags between 1967-74.
Since winning the 1980 flag and losing the 1982 grand final, Richmond have only made the finals three more times.
“The blueprint that Tommy left this football club, for whatever reason, has been lost for a period of time,” Hardwick said.
“That’s a blueprint we’re trying to get back.
“If we can play some quality football like those Tigers of old, we’re certainly going in the right direction.”
Whenever Hafey visited the club to give a talk, Hardwick and his assistant coaches would prick their ears up.
“People love hearing about winners and that’s what Tommy was,” Hardwick said.
Hardwick also noted that Hafey would be missed more for his work in the wider community.
Hafey was renowned for his community work and inspiring others.
On Saturday, Hardwick must strike a balance between honouring Hafey and making sure the Richmond players are focussed for the must-win game against the Demons.
And there is no better way than reminding them of the qualities that mattered most to Hafey.
“We’ve gone through a little bit in regards to what we can bring – a couple of qualities that Tommy stood for,” Hardwick said.
“We hope to bring them out in the game this weekend.
“The words relentless and ruthless come to mind.”
Last week, Hardwick was in a small delegation of Richmond players and officials who visited Hafey in hospital.
Football, of course, dominated conversation and right to the end, Hafey was dismissive of modern tactics.
Asked if Hafey had offered any advice, Hardwick laughed and said: “yeah, kick it long.”