- A Prime Minister duo has been criticized by fans
- Some claimed Tigers fans ‘should be screwed’
- Others claimed his speeches were “shameful.”
Two Premiership stars have been criticized by fans on social media for delivering “disrespectful and disgraceful” farewell speeches at Richmond’s best and fairest awards, with some claiming Tigers fans “should be f**king ***”.
The Jack Dyer Medal event perhaps did not go as smoothly as many would have hoped, with Tigers president John O’Rourke appearing for the first time to take a thinly veiled swipe at several outgoing stars.
During his speech to the audience inside the Crown Palladium in Melbourne, O’Rourke praised the loyalty of several veteran stars who stayed on to help “guide the young players through the next phase of (the club’s) growth”.
He went on to thank in particular Nathan Broad, who received his second Francis Bourke medal in two years, for remaining loyal and signing a new agreement.
‘Just as an example… how lucky are we to have players of Nathan Broad’s character?’ O’Rourke said.
“He’s a player who was recruited in an era of, well, immediate success at the club as a middle-aged player. I know that during this year, I’m sure he could have explored options to continue his career in his home state, or such He once looked for more lucrative options with other clubs, but decided to extend it for two more years.
His comments apparently appear to have been a slight dig at four desperate Tigers stars who could be gone before the 2025 season.
Signed duo Daniel Rioli, who received the Jack Dyer Medal last night, and Shai Bolton have requested moves away from the club, while Liam Baker and Jack Graham will also leave the club.
Rioli is reportedly hoping to reunite with Damien Hardwick on the Gold Coast, while Bolton looks to return to WA.
Baker has also made it clear that he wants to join the West Coast, and the Tigers will be hoping to secure deals for all three stars when the trade window opens next week. Meanwhile, Graham could also leave as a free agent.
During the awards ceremony, Bolton, who was crowned the Tigers’ top scorer for the 2024 season with 34 goals, gave an awkward farewell speech to the crowd.
‘Yes, I just want to thank my teammates, thanks to the coaches, thanks to my teammate at home. “She couldn’t be here right now because we have another one on the way,” he said.
‘And yes… that’s all from me.’
Afterwards, Baker took the stage. Grabbing the microphone, he added, pointing to his teammate, Bolton: “I’ll speak for myself and Shai.”
“No, it’s actually been a great year and I appreciate everything the club has done for me and my family over the years and this year.
‘I’m looking forward to seeing what the club does in the future. I can’t wait to support them. Yes, it will be great to see from afar. Thanks for everything and take it easy.’
But the duo were criticized online by fans after the speeches, with one X (formerly Twitter) user writing: “These guys can’t wait to get out of that place.” Disgusting speeches, really disgusting.’
“Horrible and classless… I’m not a Richmond fan but if that’s all they have to offer the club and their fans you should be happy to see them go,” one added.
“A couple of flags between these two and that’s all they’ll say,” another added with a “laughing face” emoji.
“Probably two of the most disrespectful and embarrassing speeches I’ve ever seen,” another added.
On rumors that Baker and Bolton could leave for WA, another added: “The way Liam approached Shai looks like a couple of guys who have just signed to the West Coast.”
“If I was a Richmond fan, I’d be really pissed.” These guys were happy to sign on for the good times, abandon ship like the coach when things go bad. Poor b***h,” wrote another.