In the third part of a special 1971 Richmond Annual Report flashback series leading into the Club’s 2021 Annual General Meeting on Monday evening, we reproduce an article from the publication on the Tiger players who received awards at the end of that ’71 season.

LIFE MEMBERSHIP

We have much pleasure in recommending players Ian Stewart and Barry Richardson for Life Membership of the Club.

Barry joined the Tigers in 1964 from St Patrick’s College, Ballarat, and has had a fine career with the Tigers, playing both in defence and attack. He has also proved to be an outstanding clubman.

Ian qualifies for Life Membership following his magnificent win in the Brownlow Medal – an honour justly deserved.

Committee member Bob Dickinson is also recommended for Life Membership. Bob has been a Committeeman for 12 years and has worked hard for the betterment of the Club. He was Chairman of Selectors of the 1967 Premiership team.

TROPHY WINNERS

Best and Fairest Player (Jack Dyer Medal)

The winner of the Best and Fairest Player Award was Ian Stewart, who gave the Tigers a magnificent season. Ian proved a great acquisition from St Kilda and was a most welcome addition to our team. There have been few better players in the history of League Football than this talented centre player.

We trust he is with the Tigers for many years to come and continues to give outstanding service.

Second Best and Fairest Player (Jack Titus Medal)

Vice-Captain, Royce Hart, was runner-up for the Best and Fairest Award. In many games he was truly outstanding.

Few will ever forget his splendid display at centre half-forward against Carlton (Round 19, Princes Park) when he was unanimous choice as best afield in a performance unequalled from any centre half-forward for many years (21 kicks, five handballs, seven marks, six goals).

Third Best and Fairest (Maurie Fleming Medal) and Best Player in the Final Series

Despite the limitations placed by National Service, back-pocket player, Kevin Sheedy, finished third in our Best and Fairest Award – a fine effort.

Kevin, with his strong relentless play, is a great inspiration to the players further afield. We have few better clubmen. In the final series, he was easily our best player.

“Johnny Walker” Whisky Outstanding Service Trophy

Francis Bourke had a remarkable season in 1971 and is the worthy recipient of the “Johnny Walker” Whisky Trophy for Outstanding Service.

Undoubtedly the best wing player in the V.F.L., in fact, possibly the greatest of all time, Francis suffered a severe jolt to his career when he broke his leg against Hawthorn. He was sidelined for many weeks and few thought he would play again this year. However, with his typical determination and courage, he fought back and finished the season in fourth place in the Best and Fairest Award.

On his return to the team he was placed on a half-back flank and typical of his all-round ability, he starred.

Best First-Year Player (Bill Cosgrove Memorial Trophy)

Winner of this trophy is giant follower, Brian Roberts, who joined the Tigers in a blaze of publicity from Western Australian Club, East Fremantle.

After an indifferent start, Brian showed his real worth mid-season when he put together several excellent games. A severe collision against Fitzroy, when he injured his knee, affected his play for the remainder of the season and he was unfortunately sidelined for the final series.

However, he is determined to re-establish himself in the side and much will be heard of the “Whale” in 1972.

Most Improved Player

Following the winning of the Reserve Grade Most Promising Player Award in 1970, Greg Hollick continued to progress this year and was able to gain regular senior selection.

With each game one could notice his continued progress and was adjudged the Most Improved player for Season 1971.

Greg has a wonderful opportunity to establish himself as a leading ruck-rover in League football in the coming year.

Most Promising Player

Ruckman-cum-forward, Neil Balme, has won the Most Promising Player Award.

Neil gained senior selection towards the end of 1970 when he showed promise of better things to come. His progress in 1971 has pleased selectors and much is expected from this 6’ 4”, 15-stone player in the future as he is only now 19 years of age.

Recruited from Subiaco, he has the football world at his feet provided he is prepared to work hard to reach the top.

Most Determined Player (Bill Wilson Memorial Trophy)

For the third successive year, our great Captain, Roger Dean, has won the Bill Wilson Memorial Shield donated by Mr. Ben Alexander.

There have been few better players to wear a Tiger guernsey than this tough, hard-playing half-forward flanker who added further lustre to a brilliant career by playing his 200th senior day game in 1971.

Most Consistent Player

Graeme Bond’s career continued to advance in 1971 when he was adjudged the Most Consistent player.

The previous year he won our Most Improved Player award. His great pace, vigour and team spirit on a wing were of inestimable value. We look forward to many more fine games from this dedicated player.

Most Serviceable Player

Leading rover, Kevin Bartlett, won the award for the Most Serviceable Player. In his period with the Tigers, Kevin has won many awards including Best and Fairest twice and runner-up once. He is one of the most important cogs in the Tiger machine and we trust that he is at his brilliant best in 1972.

Outstanding Player Trophy

Rex Hunt had his best season since joining the Tigers’ senior side in 1968. He finished fifth in the Club Best and Fairest Award and his switch to centre half-back half way through the season was a real winner by the selectors.

Rex did not have his colours lowered in any game and his brilliant marking and long driving left-foot kicks put the side into attack.

Special Service Trophies

Ray Boyanich, in his second year with the Club, again gave valuable service. Whether placed in the ruck or playing as ruck-rover or half-forward flank, Ray always strove hard to bring victory to the Tigers.

The other recipient of a Special Service Trophy was winger Dick Clay who had the honour of playing in his 100th senior day game in 1971. Recruited in 1966, Dick has proved a great asset to this Club.