1911 Chronology
Position: Eighth
Won 7, Lost 11, For 931, Against 1021.
Captains: Billy Schmidt, Len Incigneri
Vice Captain: George Gibson
Coach: Len Incigneri
Caretaker Coach: Charles Taylor
Leading Goal Kicker: Mick Maguire (29)
Revenue: 1391pounds 7s. 7d. Credit Balance: 94pounds 16s. 4d.
Membership: 2,000 (approx.)
February
_ Bill Burns's life disqualification is terminated. He had missed a total of 26 matches through suspension.
_ A scheme limit payments to players is discussed by the League. One Richmond delegate, Jack Archer who supports open professionalism, opposed the scheme in its entirety. He thus ignored the club directive to support the scheme in principle but argue for a higher payment. Archer will be labelled a traitor by other committeemen.
Friday 11
A letter from Andrew Manzie is published in the Herald, rejecting claims that members of the committee threatened to resign over Jack Archer's actions.
Monday 20
A player only meeting is held in the pavilion to consider the attitude of Richmond’s committee on player payments and the advisability of having a players’ representative on the committee. Jack Archer and Andrew Manzie address the meeting. The players decide to support open professionalism.
Tuesday 21
Having met with the players’ delegation the committee resolve to affirm the desirability of open professionalism.
A letter from Jack Archer is published in the Herald , rejecting the claims no one threatened to resign from the committee.
''And I unreservedly state now that Mr Manzie himself and Mr J. J. Stewart, chairman of committee, did threaten to resign if
I did not apologise to the committee for my action stated above. I did not apologise, nor did Mr Manzie or MrStewart resign as threatened''
Wednesday 22
On submission of 100 members of the club (and signed by Jack Archer), an advertisement is posted indicated a Special General Meeting of the club will be held on Feb 27 regarding open professionalism
Saturday 25
The players meet in the pavilion and pledge their support for Andrew Manzie.
The Herald publish a lengthy letter from Jack Stewart, Chairman of the Richmond Football Club committee.
"We very much regret having to go to print over the matter, but feel forced to take action in a way in which we otherwise woudl almost strongly disapprove" . In the letter, Stewart outlines the chain of events, from his point of view, that has caused disruption between Jack Archer and the rest of the committee
Monday 27
A Special Meeting of the Richmond Football Club, called by 100 members, convenes at the Richmond Town Hall, regarding open professionalism. Around 600 members attend, in particular, the chairman J Digby notes, many ladies. Resolutions are passed indicating that the VFL are "incapable of controlling football in Victoria , and does not possess the confidence of the Richmond Football Club", and that "the time has arrived for the adoption of honest legislation and open professionalism" , and that "one governing body should be appointed by the Victorian clubs to manage football in the State, that two delegates be appointed to confer with the delegates of other clubs to carry these resolutions into effect". A further breakdown of this meeting is reported by The Age.
Tuesday 28
Jack Stewart pens a response published in the Herald, outlining his point of view, regarding the disruption between him and the committee.
March
Election: A Reform Party under Jack Archer campaigns for positions on the Richmond Football Club committee. Posters and pamphlets are distributed throughout Richmond. Both reform and incumbent parties canvas the city for votes.
Saturday 4
A letter from Vice President W Parsons is published in The Herald outlining his point of view on the Archer and committee dispute. He writes that Manzie did resign at the meeting and told the players such on the Feb 25 meeting. He writes that Jack Stewart mumbled an inaudible 'me too' when Manzie resigned , that only he and Jack Archer heard.
Wednesday 8
The players meet to announce who they will support at the upcoming elections at the AGM.
Several players state they will not play if Andrew Manzie is not returned as secretary.
The "ticket" the ideally wish is Secretary: Manzie, Treasurer: McNair, Committee: Jack Fayle, W Mahoney, H Milne, W Parsons, JJ Stewart, P Tandy, A Whitaker.
Friday 10
Richmond players and trainers show their support for the current regime by being driven through Richmond on a lorry decorated with the club’s flag and colours, and are led by Scotch pipers.
Saturday 11
At Richmond’s Annual Meeting in front of 800 members at the Bridge Road Skating Rink, Andrew Manzie defeats Jack Archer for the position of secretary. The other Reform candidates are also defeated.
A referendum asking members "Do you endorse the committee's action in favour of open payments to players? Yes or No" passed in the affirmative, by majority.
Tue. 14
The committee meet for the first time this year. They decide not to appoint a coach for 1911 but trust head trainer Charlie Taylor to oversee training.
April
Mon. 17
On Easter Monday Richmond visits Ballarat and defeats Golden Point 17-20 (122) to 5-11 (41). It is Richmond’s first game in Ballarat since July 30, 1892.
Burns: The committee refuses to receive a petition signed by 600 Richmond members insisting that Bill Burns, who had not attended training be played. Burns was the only player to support the Reform Party and this led to personal differences with some clubmen like Billy Schmidt and Andrew Manzie.
Sat. 29
Bill Burns is not included in Richmond’s team for their opening game against Collingwood at Victoria Park.
Collingwood player Dan Minogue breaks his collar bone in his first ever League match. Minogue went to ground following a bump from Richmond’s captain Billy Schmidt just minutes before the final bell.
May
Ground: RCG pass-out checks are no longer issued at half time.
Wed. 3
The League refuses to permit Bill Burns’s clearance to St. Kilda. Richmond had granted Burns a clearance but The Sport alleged that the “good character” portion was missing.
According to The Sport Richmond’s players meet in the evening to “chat over things.” Refreshments were provided.
Sat. 6
Richmond are late to take the field after half-time. The club will deny rumours that a quarrel between players led to the delay and will state that they were being photographed. The Sport will suggest that a large number of officials addressed the players on their game.
Tue. 9
Len Incigneri is appointed Richmond’s playing coach.
Fri. 12
The Sport reports a rumour that some Richmond footballers are upset that a certain player was not selected on Saturday. This had resulted in a split in the camp and the captain Billy Schmidt had threatened to resign.
Saturday 13
Richmond 6.17.53 def University 6.5.41
Photos published
Sat. 20
Billy Schmidt volunteers to resign as captain prior to the game against Geelong but as no other player was willing to accept the position Billy is re-elected.
About 700 supporters travel with the team to Geelong.
Sat. 27
Len Incigneri leads the Tigers as captain and coach.
June
Sat. 10
St. Kilda committeemen “invaded” the press box at St. Kilda during the Richmond game. They, “... maintained a tireless commentary on the play and players.”
Thr. 15
Richmond’s committee treat the players to “... a splendid tea, served in the best style by Mrs. Capewell” at the conclusion of training Following this they play cards and dominoes, and Andrew Manzie offers a few words of encouragement.
Thr. 22
RIchmond's first Thursday match ever.
Matt Incigneri kicks a goal with his first kick in League football.
July
Bill Burns obtains a permit to play for Beverley.
Sat. 8
Richmond plays its 500th senior premiership game (Association and League). It defeats University at the MCG, 6-10 (46) to 3-8 (26).
Thr. 13
An Aboriginal from Coranderrk trains with Richmond.
Tue. 18
Richmond holds a theatre party.
Sat. 22
George Gibson captains Richmond in Len Incigneri’s absence.
James Evendon, a popular and vociferous Richmond barracker is arrested for using the word “rotter” at a game. He will be acquitted.
The old Vaucluse Football Club holds a reunion.
August
Carnival: Barney Herbert and Len Incigneri represent Victoria at the Adelaide carnival during the first two weeks of August.
Wed. 9
Percy Maybury and Billy Schmidt represent the VFL against the Bendigo Association. Andrew Manzie manages the team.
Sat. 12
South Bendigo defeats Richmond on the RCG.
Andrew Manzie is presented with a silver entrée dish at half time of the South Bendigo game. It was on behalf of the VFL team that played the Bendigo Association recently.
Sat. 19
Mick Maguire kicks his 26th goal for the year against Melbourne and in doing so breaks the club’s record for the most goals kicked in a League season. He will finish with 29.
Richmond lose to Melbourne unexpectedly. It is alleged that with the club out of contention for the finals a number of players had not attended training during the week.
Sat. 26
Richmond 17-21 (123) defeats St. Kilda 5-6 (36) at Richmond. It is Richmond’s highest score and the 87 point margin is its greatest win since joining the League.
Andrew Manzie congratulates the St. Kilda players on their play and their “loyalty to the (St. Kilda) committee” at the conclusion of the game.
September
Mon. 4
The ladies of the club tender a social at the Town Hall.
Sat. 16
Numbers are introduced for the Essendon v. Carlton semi final.
Mon. 18
Former Richmond player James Parker is killed in a work related accident. He was a 39 year old coppersmith. Coroner enquiry
Sat. 30
The Beverley and Richmond District football clubs hold a joint smoke night at the Masonic Hall.
October
_ Len Incigneri is announced as the winner of Spencer’s most popular captain competition.
December
Sat. 1
About 70 Richmond supporters, including Jack Archer, George Peckham-Beachcroft and James McDermott, meet at the Vine Hotel and resolve to form another reform party to contest the 1912 club election.
Thr. 6
A Theatre Night is held in aid of the family of a former player James Parker who died at work in September. The organising committee under Hector Milne consisted of many past and present Richmond players and officials.