In the final 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 hirsute players at Richmond over the past half-century. Take your pick of these hairy Tigers . . .
Jim Jess, 223 games for Richmond, 1976-88
With his long, flowing locks and bushy beard, Jess looked like a Viking on league football’s battle-fields. And, he certainly played the game in a manner befitting a Viking – tough, rough, rugged, strong, aggressive, relentless! Jess played more games with Richmond than any other permanently-bearded Tiger in the Club’s history. That hairy appearance clearly enhanced his cult status among the Yellow and Black faithful.
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Geoff Raines, 134 games for Richmond, 1976-82
Beautifully balanced, smooth, slick, strong, resilient, brilliant, flawless . . . How else could you describe Geoff Raines’ hairstyle throughout his time at Tigerland! His hairstyle was a perfect match for the way he played. And, regardless of how hard Raines worked during a game, how much on-field punishment he copped from the opposition, or what the weather conditions were like, when the final siren sounded, he still would not have a hair out of place.
Brendon Gale, 244 games for Richmond, 1990-01
The current-day Richmond CEO was a hairdo trendsetter in his playing days with the Tigers. He proudly wore a permed mullet, like no other player before (or since, for that matter). With his height, strong build and long hair, Gale was dubbed ‘Tarzan’ by some Tiger fans. How ironic that he would end up with a wife named Jane! Although Gale’s older brother, Michael, also shot to prominence in the shaggy stakes with his long hair, which he wore in a ponytail, it was ‘Benny’ who stole the show with his distinctive ‘do’.
Wayne Campbell, 297 games for Richmond, 1991-05
Campbell was another Tiger of the 90s era, who regarded himself as something of a fashionista. So, it was only natural that ‘Cambo’ would make, what he deemed to be a trendy fashion statement at the time, by growing his hair extra long. Unlike his good mate Brendon Gale, however, Campbell’s hair was long and straight, with not a hint of a wave or curl. He liked it, though . . .
Ivan Maric, 55 games for Richmond, 2012-14
No player in the modern game has received more publicity for his hairstyle than big Ivan, since his arrival at Tigerland from Adelaide three years ago. Reams of copy, numerous footy talkback calls, a plethora of photos, and huge volumes of video footage, have been devoted to the mighty Maric mullet. Such has been the mullet’s enormous popularity, a reality TV show based around it, was even floated at one stage. Suffice to say, the Tiger Army has bestowed upon Maric and his mullet cult status, the likes of which has seldom been seen.
THE PERFECT TIGER SO FAR:
Kicking
Marking
Handballing
Speed
Strength
Courage
Toughness
Determination
Ball-winning ability
Goal sense
Football smarts
