In the sixth of a special 12-part series on richmondfc.com.au, where we set about building the perfect Tiger, our focus turns to the most courageous players at Tigerland over the past half-century.  Take your pick of these five brave Tigers . . .

Francis Bourke, 300 games for Richmond, 1967-81
Bourke set the benchmark at Tigerland, right throughout his mighty playing career, for fearless courage.  His repeated acts of bravery, on the field of battle for his beloved Tigers, are indelibly etched in the minds of those Richmond fans fortunate enough to have witnessed them.  He was a constant source of inspiration to his Tiger teammates through the remarkable reservoir of courage that he possessed.   

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Michael Pickering, 136 games for Richmond, 1984-91
The versatile Pickering rose to prominence with the Tigers on the back of his immense courage.  Despite being of relatively slender build, Pickering consistently displayed great bravery with the way he threw himself into packs competing for marks.  He was fearless in pursuit of the ball, and absorbed considerable punishment on-field during his playing career, without ever flinching. 

Tony Free, 133 games for Richmond, 1987-96
Although Free’s career at Tigerland was sadly cut short due to major knee problems, he left behind a huge legacy as a courageous, inspirational on-field leader.  Free truly led by example, through his brave playing style.  This was highlighted in a match during the 1994 season, when he suffered a broken jaw early on, but pluckily played the entire four quarters out.

Duncan Kellaway, 180 games for Richmond, 1993-04
Kellaway’s constantly courageous efforts to win the ball, made him a favorite son of the Yellow and Black faithful.  In his role as an undersized key defender within Richmond’s line-up, Kellaway was frequently handed some mighty tough assignments on bigger, stronger, quality opponents, but he bravely got the job done for the Tigers.

Alex Rance, 107 games for Richmond, 2009-14
Rance was 19, and in just his sixth game of AFL football, when he was involved in a sickening head clash with Brisbane’s Troy Selwood at the MCG, following a brave attack on the ball.  He was subsequently hospitalised with severe concussion and underwent surgery for facial fractures.  That injury kept him out for three games, but it certainly didn’t change the courageous way he goes about his football.

THE PERFECT TIGER SO FAR:
Kicking
Marking
Handballing
Speed
Strength