Kevin Bartlett's first attendance at an official Richmond function for 16 years was greeted by a standing ovation yesterday at the club's Tom Hafey Club season launch celebrating the Tigers' historic rivalry with Carlton.

The 403-game, five-time premiership player slipped unobtrusively into Melbourne's Grand Hyatt Hotel and sat between his old coach Hafey and former teammate Francis Bourke. Bartlett was spotted by master of ceremonies Rex Hunt, a long-time critic of the legendary footballer's Richmond boycott, who then publicly welcomed him back to the club.

Close to 500 guests stood and applauded. Bartlett has famously shunned the club he played for over four decades, winning five best-and-fairests, since the Tigers sacked him after four years as coach at the end of 1991.

When asked whether there was a special reason for his return yesterday, Bartlett said: "No special reason. I wanted to come." Bourke said: "I think I know why he's here. It's because it's where he belongs."