In a special holiday season series, richmondfc.com.au is asking you to select the best players to have filled each of the traditional on-field positions for the Tigers throughout the past half-century, from the candidates we have nominated. We focus today on the small forward pocket role...
Billy Brown
Started off at Richmond as a wingman and was successful in that position before being moved into a forward pocket/roving role. Subsequently had a fine playing career with the Tigers, providing back-up for brilliant first rover Kevin Bartlett. Was speedy, elusive, tenacious, courageous, and dangerous around goals. His best goal return in a season was 32 in 1968, and he followed that with 27 in Richmond’s 1969 premiership year. Interestingly, his highest goal tally in a league game was five, which he scored three times – in the final home-and-away rounds of the 1967, 1968 and 1969 seasons. A valuable contributor in the Tigers’ 1967 and ‘69 premiership sides.
Daryl Cumming
Spent much of his career at Richmond in a forward pocket providing roving back-up to Kevin Bartlett. Had plenty of pace, fine anticipation and good goal sense. Finished with a league career-high 21 goals in the 1972 season, including a best match return of five against Hawthorn at Glenferrie Oval in Round 19, after starting off as a reserve that day. Was a member of the Tigers’ 1974 premiership side.
Robert Wiley
Highly-prized, mature-age recruit for Richmond from WAFL club Perth, who had a major impact during his time at Tigerland, particularly as a small forward pocket. Kicked 127 goals in 95 games for the Tigers, with a best season return of 40 in 1982. His highest goal tally in a league game was seven against Essendon, Round 3, 1982, at the MCG. Had top-class skills, particularly his kicking, and he played a key role in the Club’s dominant 1980 premiership year.
Chris Naish
Speedy, elusive, small forward pocket, who had great goalkicking nous. Also was a proficient mark for his size. Consistently maximised his opportunities around goal to hurt the opposition on the scoreboard. Scored 25 goals or more each year from 1991-96. Played an important part in Richmond advancing through to the 1995 preliminary final. Kicked a league career-high 42 goals that season and regularly lifted the Tigers with his lively play up forward.
Andrew Krakouer
The son of former North Melbourne champion Jimmy Krakouer produced some bursts of brilliance during his playing career at Richmond. Possessed excellent goal sense for his small forward pocket role. Averaged exactly a goal a game throughout his time with the Tigers (102 goals from 102 games). His best goal return in a season for Richmond was 23 in 2005, while his highest tally in a match was five, which he achieved twice (v Essendon in 2003 and v Carlton in 2005).
