Tigers rule in Brendan’s den

Brendan Short and son Bryce, 3, in the shrine to the Richmond Football Club. By Marc McGowan
PAKENHAM resident Brendan Short is as big a Richmond fan as you will find and one only needs to have a drink in his garage bar to find out.
The yellow and blackblood has developed a ‘shrine’ of Tiger memorabilia – complete with revered artist Weg’s impressions of Richmond’s 10 premierships.
“Richmond people love it,” Mr Short, 36, said. “I’ve been a member for 18 years – I’m not a fair weather supporter!”
His collection began about 18 months ago but is grinding to a halt because his garage is full to the brim.
“I always had a bit of Richmond stuff,” Mr Short said.
“My mum Kath used to go down to Punt Road to watch Jack Dyer, and I guess she brainwashed me.
“My wife doesn’t want them in the house, which is fair enough.”
Not even Mr Short’s wife, Inge, has escaped the Tiger passion, though. “She wasn’t a big follower before we were married but we’ve been married for eight years and she does now,” he said.
Mr Short’s two children – Emma, 6, and Bryce, 3 – are already on the Tiger bandwagon.
“They love it,” he said.
“Emma loves (Brett) Deledio. She thinks he’s great.”
The supporter’s alltime favourite player is Dale Weightman, whose toughness he admired greatly.
Of the current team, he enjoys watching Mark Coughlan, the “big fella” Richo – Matthew Richardson – and Nathan Brown.
Mr Short lists Michael Roach as the greatest Tiger he has seen play.
His shrine attracts comment from all members of the public – even oneeyed Magpies. “I might get a Collingwood supporter come past and say, ‘What’s that rubbish?’” Mr Short joked.
“They have a bit of a laugh.”
Mr Short’s most expensive Richmond possession is a framed Heritage Round jumper signed by then coach Danny Frawley and former captain and player Wayne Campbell, which he was presented with from the Pakenham Racing Club to recognise his efforts as racecourse manager.
But it is the sentimental items Mr Short holds closest to his heart. “Mum’s stuff I rate the highest,” he said.
Despite all the memorabilia, it is the supporter camaraderie that Mr Short appreciates most.
“I love it when you go and they put in a good performance,” he said.
“The Tiger passion is great.”