In 1972, big Richmond forwards Neil Balme and Ricky McLean struck fear into the hearts and minds of opposition backlines.
The dynamic duo, affectionately known as “Biff” and “Bam”, were the epitome of rough and ready, but they could seriously play the game as well.
That season, the 20-year-old Balme and 24-year-old McLean, who had transferred over from Carlton, were the Tigers’ equal-leading goalkickers with 55 goals.
They were a formidable combination deep in the Tigers’ forward line, and kindred spirits with the robust manner in which they went about their football.
One particular day during the ’72 season encapsulated the dominance in Richmond’s attack of Balme and McLean.
It was Round 20, on Saturday, August 19 (50 years ago today) at the MCG, with the Tigers hosting Fitzroy.
Richmond recorded a comfortable 37-point win, largely due to the goalkicking exploits of Biff and Bam.
They booted six goals apiece, out of a team total of 20, and cut the Lions’ defence to ribbons with their powerful style of play.
Here is The Age newspaper’s report of the match by Paul Speelman . . .
“A double-barrelled shotgun is twice as good as a single-barrelled one. So how good is Richmond with its double-barrelled attack of Ricky McLean and Neil Balme?
That was the question being asked at the MCG on Saturday as the Tigers systematically and easily took apart a game, but toothless, Fitzroy.
Toothless, incidentally, was the right word for the Lions – they fiddled about and wasted chance after chance to finish with a disgracefully inaccurate 13.22 against Richmond’s 20.17.
Back at the other end, McLean and Balme were busy showing that they are going to be a fearsome duo in the finals.
Both are strong, and good marks, they can kick straight and they are developing a fine understanding. McLean, in particular, since moving from Carlton, is showing the makings of a great team man.
They finished with six goals each although, in all fairness, it must be stated that McLean opened the way for several other goals with unselfish play.
It was a heartening performance for the Tigers, especially as it was one of those rare days on which their leader Royce Hart was beaten virtually all day.
In a torrid battle with Kevin Murray, he did break away for two quick goals in the second quarter but overall it was Murray’s day.
It mattered little, however. On one flank Barry Richardson was playing one of his typically solid games feeding his forwards, and back in the centre Essendon reject Paul Sproule was proving a more than worthy stand-in for Ian Stewart.”
Match details
Richmond 4.2 11.5 14.11 20.17 (137)
Fitzroy 2.2 6.8 7.16 13.22 (100)
Goals – Richmond: Balme 6, McLean 6, Bartlett 2, Hart 2, Cumming, Morris, B. Richardson, Sproule.
Leading disposal-winners – Richmond: Hunt 25, Sproule 24, Bartlett 22, Morris 20, B. Richardson 18, Sheedy 18.
Goals – Fitzroy: Murphy 3, Wilson 3, Robertson 2, Brown, Crow, Irwin, Noonan, Richards.
Leading disposal-winners – Fitzroy: Wilson 32, Murphy 27, Richards 27, Lloyd 21, Dare 20.
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