AFL round one: Meet the Tigers’ 99-year-old fan

On the eve of the AFL’s opening round, it's hard to find a more passionate and loyal Richmond supporter than near-centenarian Keith Hardy.

Fresh from celebrating his 99th birthday this week, Mr Hardy said he’s hopeful he'll have more to cheer about in his 100th year, following the fairy-tale premiership for the club last year.

“Oh just pictures…we’d been waiting since 1980 and it was so exciting... it looks good,” he told 9NEWS from his memorabilia-filled garage.

Today the life-long Tigers fan received a special video message from Punt Road, with many players sending warm wishes.

While Richmond immortals such Jack Dyer and Royce Hart gave Mr Hardy plenty to cheer about over nine decades, it’s the new crop from Tigerland that have captured the 99-year-old’s full attention from his retirement village in Melbourne’s Rowville.

“The likes of Dustin Martin, (Trent) Cotchin, (Alex) Rance, (Jack) Riewoldt… they've all been there a few years now and we've seen them develop,” he said.

But Mr Hardy’s wife of 75 years, Gene, revealed only one Tiger has her heart: Matthew Richardson.

While the pair won’t be at the MCG to watch Richmond play Collingwood tomorrow, both sides will have no shortage of supporters.

AFL officials are predicting a crowd of more than 90,000 - a potential record for round one.

Mr Hardy admitted back-to-back flags is a tough ask for the Tigers, but he has cleared room in the garage just in case.

“I’ve got a special wall… room for a few more.”

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