Richmond CEO Shane Dunne and Graeme Charles, the great-grandson of the Club's founder
Photo by Rhett BartlettTigers Honor 140-Year Legacy with Historic Photo Recreation
Raylene Easton
20 February, 2025A Meaningful Connection
In a touching tribute to Richmond Football Club's rich history, a meaningful connection between past and present was made today at Tigerland. Graeme Charles, great-grandson of club founder James Charles, participated in a special ceremony marking the club's 140th birthday by recreating a cherished club tradition.
The Birth of a Legacy
The story of Richmond Football Club began on this very day in 1885, when James Charles, a Richmond Cricket Club committeeman working at the Glasgow Book Warehouse, gathered locals at the Royal Hotel on Punt Road to establish what would become one of football's most storied clubs.
A Tradition Through Time
Throughout the early decades, James Charles maintained a beautiful tradition of marking major club milestones with formal photographs alongside the club's secretary or CEO. The archives hold precious images of Charles with secretary Andrew Manzie on the club's 25th anniversary in 1910, and again with secretary John 'Jack' Smith in 1934, when Charles was 83 years old. This treasured practice came to an end with Charles's passing on December 20, 1939.
Reviving a Historic Moment
Today, thanks to club historian Rhett Bartlett's initiative to revive this meaningful tradition, Graeme Charles stood proudly alongside current CEO Shane Dunne, bridging a gap of more than eight decades since the last such photograph. The moment captured not just an image, but the enduring spirit of the Richmond Football Club.
A Roaring Welcome
The celebration took an especially heartwarming turn when Graeme was introduced to the entire playing group. In a spontaneous display of Tiger pride, the players welcomed the founder's descendant with a mighty Tiger 'roar' during their group photo – a fitting tribute to the legacy of James Charles and the club he built 140 years ago.
Enduring Legacy
As we reflect on this milestone, the presence of James Charles's great-grandson at Tigerland serves as a powerful reminder of our club's deep roots and the continuing strength of the Tiger family. From that first meeting at the Royal Hotel to today's modern sporting powerhouse, Richmond Football Club stands as a testament to the enduring vision of its founder and the generations of Tigers who've carried that vision forward.