In the eighth of a special 12-part series on richmondfc.com.au, where we set about building the perfect Tiger, we turn our attention to the most determined players at Richmond over the past half-century.  Take your pick of these tenacious Tigers . . .

Roger Dean, 245 games for Richmond, 1957-73
Dean was born and bred in Richmond and grew up a mad-keen Tiger fan.  No wonder then, that when he worked his way through the Club’s ranks, and eventually established himself as a senior regular, he became so committed to the Yellow and Black cause.  Dean’s win-at-all-costs attitude saw him become an inspirational leader at Richmond.  He would do whatever was required on the field of battle to help his beloved Tigers achieve success. 

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Francis Bourke, 300 games for Richmond, 1967-81
Bourke won Richmond’s Most Determined Player award four times throughout his magnificent league career, which underlines how highly he was regarded in this category within Tigerland’s four walls.  Whether he was playing as second rover (which he did very early on in his debut season), on a wing, across half-back, full-back or up forward, Bourke knew only one way to perform – at maximum intensity level.  He was a constant source of inspiration to teammates through his fanatical desire to ensure Richmond came out on top.

Mervyn Keane, 238 games for Richmond, 1972-84
Keane’s great determination ensured he was very rarely beaten throughout his 13-season career at Richmond, despite consistently being assigned the challenge of curbing quality opponents, in his role as a defender.  He worked diligently on the training track to improve all facets of his game and turned into one of the Tigers’ most consistent, valuable players.  Keane shunned the limelight, but he thrived on the cut-and-thrust of league football.

Bryan Wood, 209 games for Richmond, 1972-82
From the moment 18-year-old Wood broke into the strong Richmond line-up during the 1972 season, he displayed a steely resolve to succeed that belied his age.  Wood was a fierce competitor right through his league career with the Tigers, and that held him in really good stead for his on-field battles with the best wingmen going around.  The fact he more than held his own against elite opponents such as Keith Greig, Robbie Flower and Michael Turner, spoke volumes for Wood’s determination. 

Terry Smith, 56 games for Richmond, 1980-82 and 1986
Smith didn’t play anywhere near the amount of games with Richmond as the other Tigers in this category, but his impact in the determination department was profound.  From the outset, Smith was a fine team man, who was totally fearless in his efforts to win the ball.  He played a valuable role in Richmond’s 1980 premiership triumph, with his spirited on-ball work, and won the Club’s Most Determined Player award in 1981.

THE PERFECT TIGER SO FAR:
Kicking
Marking
Handballing
Speed
Strength
Courage
Toughness