LIVE COVERAGE >> Tigermania, coaches speak, Grand Final Parade
RICHMOND'S playing squad of 26 got through its final training session ahead of the Grand Final unscathed, as defender Jake Batchelor was a surprise addition to Friday morning's run.
Batchelor was not named as an emergency, and while he has been in excellent form in the VFL, he only played one AFL game this season, the Tigers' round eight loss to Fremantle.
The team ran out to rapturous applause, as a capacity crowd of 5000 packed Punt Road Oval to its absolute maximum capacity.
There was an anxious cry from many young fans of "where's Dusty?", before newly crowned Brownlow medallist Dustin Martin ran out after the rest of his teammates.
So loved is Martin at the moment, a chant rang around Punt Road as he entered the ground.
Dustin Martin trains in front of thousands at Punt Road Oval on Friday. Picture: Michael Willson, AFL Photos
A young boy even wore a fake tattoo sleeve to accompany his No.4 guernsey.
Alex Rance ran out dancing, while Jack Riewoldt waved to fans.
Hundreds more stood behind fences, standing on anything they could to get a vantage point of the Tigers' final training run under an unexpectedly warm Melbourne sun.
Richmond wore a predominantly yellow training guernsey, in preparation for wearing its clash strip against Adelaide on Saturday.
Trent Cotchin finished up early to sign many, many autographs, while sporadic renditions of the Tiger theme song, one led by Richmond legend Kevin Bartlett in the Jack Dyer Stand, were heard around the ground.
Tiger legend Kevin Bartlett pumps up the faithful. Picture: Quinn Rooney, Getty Images
About 5000 packed into Punt Road Oval on Friday morning. Picture: Michael Willson, AFL Photos
The Jack Dyer Stand was packed for Richmond's open training session. Picture: Michael Willson, AFL Photos
Richmond fans celebrate their team's first Grand Final in 35 years. Picture: Michael Willson, AFL Photos
Tiger fans were in high spirits ahead of the session. Picture: Michael Willson, AFL Photos
Skipper Trent Cotchin takes to the track on Friday. Picture: Michael Willson, AFL Photos
Defender Dylan Grimes gives a thumbs-up to the crowd. Picture: Michael Willson, AFL Photos
Josh Caddy signs autographs after the session. Picture: Michael Willson, AFL Photos
