But the ‘Terry Wallace parts ways with Richmond’ media conference was still the biggest this year – 40-plus journalists, 15 TV/video cameras, six or seven still photographers. Big indeed.
Not that the news gatherers were the only people there. Not by a long shot.
Wallace’s emotional wife Kerryn was in the room, wiping away a tear.
Tigers skipper Chris Newman – who Wallace was defending strongly just over a week ago against claims that he had led a palace coup to oust the coach – was there, along with veteran Joel Bowden.
Paul Armstrong, for so long Wallace’s right-hand man at the Tigers as football manager and now working with former Tigers coach Danny Frawley at the AFL Coaches Association, stood quietly off to the side.
Tony Greenberg – long-time Richmond media manager – was standing up the back, as was Wallace’s manager, former Magpies player Craig Kelly.
Wallace walked across the ground to the social club with president Gary March, CEO Steven Wright and a variety of other Richmond people, and they were laughing and joking as they headed for the venue.
Once inside, and past the barrage of flashes and cameramen in his face, Wallace seated himself and March made the announcement.
Wallace then launched into his initial speech and took questions – it was a reflection of his relationship with the media that it remained cordial and well-mannered throughout.
Then just under half an hour in, Richmond media manager Judith Donnelly stepped in and brought it to a close.
A round of applause, a few handshakes, and Wallace was out the door en route to discuss this week’s medical report, with just one game left to plan for – fittingly against the Western Bulldogs this Friday night.
