Paul Broderick is Richmond’s next Homecoming Hero for the 2017 season.
The Tigers will pay tribute to Broderick during the pre-game build-up at this Sunday’s Round 14 clash with Carlton at the MCG.
Broderick, who played 169 games with Richmond from 1994-2001, will walk to the Punt Road end of the ground, where he’ll receive the plaudits of the Tiger Army.
He’ll kick a ceremonial goal, then sign the football and present it to a Yellow and Black barracker in the crowd.
Highlights of Broderick’s top-class playing career with the Tigers also will be shown on the MCG’s screens.
Paul Broderick had a huge impact at Tigerland, from the moment he walked through the Punt Road doors, as part of the famous trade that saw Richmond captain Jeff Hogg head to Fitzroy in late 1993.
The quality, left-foot midfielder had been a fine contributor over six seasons with the Lions, but at Richmond, the club he grew up barracking for, he took his game to an even higher level.
Broderick was utterly professional in his approach to the game, ensuring he was always properly prepared and ready to produce his best on match-day.
And, Broderick’s best was extremely good . . .
He consistently racked up high possession numbers, creating numerous opportunities for teammates with his pinpoint disposal by both hand and foot.
Throw in superb evasive skills, a strong defensive side to his game, toughness, courage, plus plenty of stamina, and you had a terrific all-round football package.
The fact he always put the team first, ahead of any individual gains, further enhanced his worth to the Tigers.
Broderick finished runner-up in Richmond’s Best and Fairest in his 1994 debut season with the Tigers, and the Club’s Annual Report that year had this to say about his overall performance . . .
“In his first season with Richmond, Paul Broderick has shown himself to be an outstanding recruit and well worth the efforts to coax him away from Fitzroy.
“Paul played mainly in the centre and with his shrewd reading of the play and commitment to put his body on the line, he proved a constant source of drive from the midfield.
“His professional approach to training and playing was a great example around the Club, and helped lift the standard of other players who had been at Richmond for some years”.
The following year, Richmond broke a 13-year finals drought, making it through to the preliminary final, with Broderick playing a major role in the midfield.
He played all 25 games, averaged 21.9 disposals per match, kicked 19 goals, polled 10 votes in the Brownlow Medal, and finished third in the Club’s Best and Fairest award.
Then, in 1996, Broderick captured the Jack Dyer Medal, following another top-class, consistent season, where he averaged 24.8 disposals per game, and polled 11 Brownlow votes.
Broderick would continue to provide Richmond with immense value until hanging up his boots at the end of the Tigers’ 2001 finals campaign.
Paul Broderick profile
Born: 3/1/1970
Height: 178cm
Playing weight: 85kg
Richmond trade history: Traded to the Tigers by Fitzroy as part of the deal for Richmond captain Jeff Hogg in late 1993, along with Michael Gale and Matthew Dundas
Guernsey number at Richmond: No. 17
Debut at Richmond: Round 1, 1994 v Footscray, Whitten Oval
Games at Richmond (1994-2001): 169
Goals at Richmond: 90
