Channel Seven aired the wrong photo during a tribute—was it just a slip-up or something worse?
- Replies 0
A high-profile tribute on national television went awry this week—leaving many viewers confused and others heartbroken.
What was meant to honour a beloved figure in the football world instead sparked a quiet wave of disbelief.
Now, a correction has been made, but not before the moment drew unwanted attention.
Channel Seven came under fire this week after a major blunder during a heartfelt tribute to former Richmond Tigers president Ian Wilson, who passed away last week aged 91.
Wilson, a much-loved figure in Australian football, led the Tigers through one of their most successful periods between 1973 and 1985.
His very first year in charge saw Richmond claim the 1974 premiership, followed by another in 1980.
During his tenure, Wilson became a central figure in the club’s resurgence—one remembered not just for the silverware, but for his relentless drive to see Richmond become a powerhouse both on and off the field.
Current club president John O'Rourke paid tribute to that legacy, saying: ‘Ian significantly helped to rebuild and re-energise the Club after so many years that we spent struggling at the bottom of the League ladder. He was utterly determined to reward the Richmond supporters who had stayed loyal to the Club despite being starved of success.’
‘With his business acumen, the Tigers became great innovators off-field, and he just had so much energy for the job. He was driven to see Richmond as a force to be reckoned with, and he worked incredibly hard to make that happen.’
O'Rourke also recalled the special moment the club shared with Wilson not long before his death: ‘It was a privilege to have Ian join us last season for our 50-year anniversary celebration of the 1974 premiership. He was so clearly revered by the playing group of that era.’
However, while many across the footy world honoured Wilson with kind words and gestures, Channel Seven’s tribute took an unexpected turn during 7 July’s broadcast of The Agenda Setters.
As the network paid its respects to the former Tigers president, the wrong image flashed on screen.
Viewers were shown a photo of former Richmond player Bill Barrot—pictured alongside Wilson’s daughter, AFL journalist and Channel Seven broadcaster Caroline Wilson, and her siblings Amelia and Will—with the words ‘Vale Ian Wilson’ overlaid.
The mistake, subtle but significant, drew attention across social media. According to report, the image originally came from an Age article and featured the family and Barrot holding the 1969 premiership cup.
The incorrect image was later removed, and a corrected tribute featuring Ian Wilson himself was aired on replays available via the Channel 7 app.
The slip-up did little to overshadow the genuine admiration that poured in for Wilson from the wider football community.
Tigers legend Matthew Richardson was among those who offered a heartfelt message: ‘In my time at the club, it was always great to bump into “Octa” and talk about those legendary times. He was just a great Richmond person.’
The club itself also paid its respects in a powerful way. Players wore black armbands during Saturday’s clash against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium—a small but significant symbol of mourning and respect.
Wilson had long been woven into the fabric of Richmond. He was awarded life membership in 1975 and inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame in 2010.
Beyond football, he had also been a keen golfer and a member of the Sorrento Golf Club since 1963, which honoured him by flying its flag at half-mast last Friday.
Though his name may no longer appear in the club’s current line-up, Ian Wilson’s influence continues to echo through its halls—and his legacy, despite the tribute error, remains deeply intact.
Moments like these remind us how much care and accuracy matter when paying tribute to someone’s legacy.
A similar story unfolded recently when two iconic figures—one local and one royal—were farewelled with deep emotion and reflection.
Their impact, like Ian Wilson’s, left a lasting mark on those who knew them.
Read more: Farewell to a café icon and a royal—why their legacies will never fade
Ian Wilson’s passing marks the end of a remarkable era for Richmond—one shaped by vision, dedication, and a deep love for the game.
His legacy lives on not only in premiership banners and Hall of Fame honours, but in the memories of those who knew and respected him.
May he be remembered for the strength he brought to the club, and the dignity with which he served.
What was meant to honour a beloved figure in the football world instead sparked a quiet wave of disbelief.
Now, a correction has been made, but not before the moment drew unwanted attention.
Channel Seven came under fire this week after a major blunder during a heartfelt tribute to former Richmond Tigers president Ian Wilson, who passed away last week aged 91.
Wilson, a much-loved figure in Australian football, led the Tigers through one of their most successful periods between 1973 and 1985.
His very first year in charge saw Richmond claim the 1974 premiership, followed by another in 1980.
Channel Seven blunder mars Wilson tribute. Image source: Channel Seven
During his tenure, Wilson became a central figure in the club’s resurgence—one remembered not just for the silverware, but for his relentless drive to see Richmond become a powerhouse both on and off the field.
Current club president John O'Rourke paid tribute to that legacy, saying: ‘Ian significantly helped to rebuild and re-energise the Club after so many years that we spent struggling at the bottom of the League ladder. He was utterly determined to reward the Richmond supporters who had stayed loyal to the Club despite being starved of success.’
‘With his business acumen, the Tigers became great innovators off-field, and he just had so much energy for the job. He was driven to see Richmond as a force to be reckoned with, and he worked incredibly hard to make that happen.’
O'Rourke also recalled the special moment the club shared with Wilson not long before his death: ‘It was a privilege to have Ian join us last season for our 50-year anniversary celebration of the 1974 premiership. He was so clearly revered by the playing group of that era.’
However, while many across the footy world honoured Wilson with kind words and gestures, Channel Seven’s tribute took an unexpected turn during 7 July’s broadcast of The Agenda Setters.
As the network paid its respects to the former Tigers president, the wrong image flashed on screen.
Viewers were shown a photo of former Richmond player Bill Barrot—pictured alongside Wilson’s daughter, AFL journalist and Channel Seven broadcaster Caroline Wilson, and her siblings Amelia and Will—with the words ‘Vale Ian Wilson’ overlaid.
The mistake, subtle but significant, drew attention across social media. According to report, the image originally came from an Age article and featured the family and Barrot holding the 1969 premiership cup.
The incorrect image was later removed, and a corrected tribute featuring Ian Wilson himself was aired on replays available via the Channel 7 app.
The slip-up did little to overshadow the genuine admiration that poured in for Wilson from the wider football community.
Tigers legend Matthew Richardson was among those who offered a heartfelt message: ‘In my time at the club, it was always great to bump into “Octa” and talk about those legendary times. He was just a great Richmond person.’
The club itself also paid its respects in a powerful way. Players wore black armbands during Saturday’s clash against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium—a small but significant symbol of mourning and respect.
Wilson had long been woven into the fabric of Richmond. He was awarded life membership in 1975 and inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame in 2010.
Beyond football, he had also been a keen golfer and a member of the Sorrento Golf Club since 1963, which honoured him by flying its flag at half-mast last Friday.
Though his name may no longer appear in the club’s current line-up, Ian Wilson’s influence continues to echo through its halls—and his legacy, despite the tribute error, remains deeply intact.
Moments like these remind us how much care and accuracy matter when paying tribute to someone’s legacy.
A similar story unfolded recently when two iconic figures—one local and one royal—were farewelled with deep emotion and reflection.
Their impact, like Ian Wilson’s, left a lasting mark on those who knew them.
Read more: Farewell to a café icon and a royal—why their legacies will never fade
Ian Wilson’s passing marks the end of a remarkable era for Richmond—one shaped by vision, dedication, and a deep love for the game.
His legacy lives on not only in premiership banners and Hall of Fame honours, but in the memories of those who knew and respected him.
May he be remembered for the strength he brought to the club, and the dignity with which he served.
