Who will get iconic Tiger numbers / Dusty #4, Astbury #12 [official]

[one-eyed]

Who will get iconic Tiger numbers?
richmondfc.com.au
By Tony Greenberg
Tue 09 Nov, 2010

Two of the most revered guernsey numbers in Richmond’s proud league football history - No. 4 and No. 12 - will be reactivated in 2011 . . .

And, you will be first to find out the latest recipients of these prized Tiger numbers when they are handed out in a special ceremony to be incorporated in the Club’s 2011 membership launch, this Friday, November 12.  richmondfc.com.au will be providing live coverage of the event from 2pm.

The Tiger is stirring in 2011, click here to become a member

No. 4 is the only number to have been worn in every one of the 10 Richmond league premiership sides.  It was made particularly famous by Tiger ‘Immortal’ Royce Hart, who wore with such distinction it in four premierships - 1967, 1969, 1973 and 1974.

No. 12, of course, strikes a huge chord with Yellow and Black barrackers because of the mighty Matthew Richardson, who wore it throughout his magnificent 282-game, 800-goal career at Tigerland.  But long, long before ‘Richo’ arrived on the scene, a skinny bloke by the name of Jack Titus made the No. 12 his own, playing 294 games and booting a ‘lazy’ 970 goals in it, in a career spanning 18 seasons (1926-43).

The two numbers were ‘retired’ in 2010, but will be brought to life again in 2011, on the backs of two of Richmond’s most talented, young players.

Given that both numbers are steeped in tradition at Punt Road, considerable thought has gone into the new custodians.  The Club is confident the pair it has anointed will follow in the illustrious footsteps of those Tiger greats who have worn the numbers previously.

Royce Hart and Matthew Richardson will be in attendance to hand out the No. 4 and No. 12 jumpers respectively.  

http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/6301/newsid/104963/default.aspx

[TigerLand]

12 = Martin
4 = Grigg

I always though Martin would be a number 4 but I don't think you can give 12 to anyone but Dustin.

Maybe Gourdis or Jackson?

[Smokey]

Martin to get 4 for sure.  I reckon either Astbury, Nason or Vickery for 12.

[wayne]

Martin is one definitely.

I wouldn't think Grigg would walk straight into one, seeing he hasn't proven himself with us yet.

Shane Edwards???

I can only really think of Astbury that has earnt it.

[Rodgerramjet]

Number 12 I'd like to see go to a genuine forward simply because this number was worn by both Richardson and Titus 2 of our best forwards and goal kickers in history. Jack Riewoldt has the number 8 which has history with Micheal Roach another great forward so hopefully he will keep that one, make it his own and forge his own history in the number 8 which he is doing.

Personally I believe it is too early to bring back the number 12, there are no real stand out forwards just yet, but if I had to give it to someone, I'd give it to Ben Griffiths.

Number 4 is a no brainer, Dustin Martin.

[Infamy]

4. Martin
12. Astbury (perhaps Griffiths)

[WilliamPowell]

Shane Edwards???

Edwards already has an "iconic" number in 10 - made famous by the likes of Daffy, Gepp 

Seriously though it was Sheeds' number and it has some importance so I cannot see him getting a new one

4. Martin
12. Astbury (perhaps Griffiths)

I agree number 4 to Martin is a no brainer

12. I'd give to Astbury

[Oiafi]

Martin seems like the obvious choice for 4 but for some reason it just seems like the wrong number for him to me. I'd love to see him in 7.

Griff to wear 12. Big responsibility for him but I have a good feeling about this kid. He's going to be a monster and I can see him being 200 games+ with 800+ goals at the end of his career. I'm not even going to entertain the thought that his shoulders are going to let him down and ruin his career.

[cub]

Martin is the only one that deseves a move atm, Nason still has a lot to prove and the others ditto.
Martin in 12 just has the right feel to it.

[Siberian]

Martin 12
Foley   4? could he change?

[Smokey]

Martin 12
Foley   4? could he change?

I think I read somewhere previously that he was asked and he wanted to keep 41.

[Siberian]

I read an interview with Hardwick saying he was trying to convince him, maybe he has?
No idea who else deserves it.
Post, Graham, Nason, Astbury, not for my money
Maybe everyone's favourite Dan connors

[wayne again]

I thought Hardwick has a policy of earning the low numbers. I would love to see Martin 4 but it may not happen.

[Penelope]

Yeah, Id have thought that Martin may have earned a lower number but probably not anyone else.
As there is someone else, Id see astbury as most likely with perhaps Nason a possibility of the young blokes currently with high numbers.

[Darth Tiger]

Martin has definitely earnt a lower number by being the best 1st year player since Lids, and I would hope that RFC maintains a policy of rewarding elite performance in the rookie year.

I would really enjoy seeing Jack Riewoldt in the number 4.  

I would also give Martin #7 as it was vacant in 2010 and challenge Griffiths to earn the right to either the #8 or #12 by being a 200 game, 500+ goal kicker in the tradition of the great Taswegians (i know he is Friar so 8 + 4 = the 12).