Footy’s Greatest Number: What is the best number ever worn at Richmond? Glenn McFarlane
Herald Sun
July 30, 2014 12:15PMWHAT is the greatest number worn on the back of a Richmond jumper? See Glenn McFarlane’s nominees and cast your vote.
17 — worn by Jack Dyer, Maurice Rioli, Barry Richardson, Donald Don, Paul BroderickJack Dyer made No.17 the most revered jumper in Richmond history in a career spanning 19 seasons. The club even introduced a short-lived tradition of having its captain wear the No.17, which ended when Trent Cotchin opted to keep his No.9. Donald Don wore it with pride before Dyer. Barry Richardson was a star in the Tigers’ successful sides in the late ’60s and early ’70s. Maurice Rioli won a Norm Smith and missed out on a Brownlow by one vote. And Paul Broderick served the club well after crossing from Fitzroy.
4 — Royce Hart, Hugh James, Geoff Raines, Craig Lambert, Matthew Rogers, Dustin MartinWorn by the man considered to be one of Richmond’s — and the VFL’s — greatest players, the No.4 jumper owes much of its currency to Royce Hart. Hart was a remarkable footballer who is now an AFL Legend. Hughie James was one of the Tigers’ early stars. Geoff Raines was a Richmond gun before being poached away. Craig Lambert and Matthew Rigers served the club well, while Dustin Martin looks poised to win his first best-and-fairest award this year.
29 — Kevin Bartlett, Ron Branton, Max HislopThis bracket is dominated by one man, but still rates a mention. No man has worn the No.29 jumper in more games than Kevin Bartlett, who was an out and out star. Ron Branton was a captain, three-time best-and-fairest winner and the man whom Tom Hafey beat to the coaching role in the 1960s. Max Hislop was a two-time Tigers’ premiership player.
2 — Roy Wright, Ian Stewart, Darren GasparOne number; three Brownlow Medals for the Tigers. Wright won two of them, Ian Stewart won his third — and his first at Richmond — in the No.2 jumper. Darren Gaspar served the number well during a frustrating period for the club.
9 — Wayne Campbell, John Northey, Trent Cotchin, Martin Bolger, Basil McCormack, ‘Polly’ PerkinsA very consistent number for the Tigers, with Wayne Campbell the most prominent, and Trent Cotchin set to take the No.9 on to greater heights.
12 — Matthew Richardson, Jack Titus, Alan RichardsonRichmond’s two greatest goalkickers have worn the No.12 jumper. Richo and ‘Skinny’ Titus kicked a total of 1770 goals and won a total of 24 club goalkicking awards. Richo’s father, Alan ‘Bull’ Richardson, was also a premiership player.
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