I was really excited about going to the Hall of Fame dinner on Saturday night. I was all set to go to the previous dinner two years ago, but a chance encounter with Brendan Fevola late in the game prior to the dinner meant I was unable to attend.

This night was great for many reasons. Club champions and coaches spanning many decades were in attendance and seven Brownlow medallists (totalling 10 Brownlow medals) were there.

The night gave a chronological account of the club's history from the 1870’s right through to present day. Intertwined throughout the big story were many individual stories of players, which all combined in one way or another to shape the club that we have today.

It was interesting to hear how the club song was originally an adaptation of ‘Spring time in the Rockies’.  I googled ‘Spring time in the Rockies’ to hear the song and stumbled upon the lyrics. Here’s the chorus;

When it's springtime in the Rockies
I am coming back to you
Little sweetheart of the mountains
With your bonny eyes of blue
Once again I'll say "I love you"
While the birds sing all the day
When it's springtime in the Rockies
In the Rockies, far away

I pictured walking off the SCG after a hard fought win, linking arm in arm with team mates, and singing out about the “little sweetheart in the mountains” with “bonny eyes of blue”.

I’m not sure who came up with the idea to change the song to “Cheer Cheer”, but with all due respect to ‘Spring time in the Rockies’ that was a sensational decision to make a change!

There were shots of team photos from the 1880’s. Nowadays it’s all about whose got the biggest guns (arms) in the team photo. On analysis of the team photos from the 1880’s it appears back then less emphasis was put on the size of your guns and more emphasis was put on the size, quality and grooming of your moustache.

Funny stories were told of Rod Carter's first career goal, which came in his 215th game, and his oppenent's depressed reaction, and sad stories were told of players heading off to wars and not returning.

Stories of struggles on field and off field were told, and about QBE’s timely and continuing support for the club.

Stories were also told of success, and the sense of ownership and pride that past players have for the 2005 premiership despite playing long before it.

Notably, everyone inducted had one common theme in their acceptance speech - that of humility (excluding Warwick Capper!) and a love for the club.

John Longmire spoke during the night and commented on the previous Hall of Fame dinner in Melbourne two years ago.

He spoke of how it had been unfortunate that the whole playing list wasn't able to be there to see it as the reserves and injured players were still in Sydney.

This time, he pointed out that the whole playing list was there, and how beneficial that would be for the team.

As players we were all very fortunate and appreciative to hear from so many club champions on Saturday night.

It is important to hear about the hard work that has been done by past players to make the club what it is today, and what we can do as players to continue on the legacy.

Ted Richards
@richards_report