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. We take a look today at the full-back candidates...
Fred Swift
A tough, fearless competitor, with excellent anticipation, who was strong overhead and a magnificent exponent of the drop kick. Captained Richmond in its drought-breaking 1967 Grand Final victory over Geelong and played a key role at full-back that glorious day. Repelled many dangerous Cats’ attacking thrusts with his telling marking in the last line of defence, and then launched the Tigers forward through his superb long kicking. Was regarded as one of league football’s best full-backs for several seasons and gained Victorian State selection twice. Also provided Richmond with good value on occasions up forward.
Barry Richardson
Took over as Richmond’s full-back following Fred Swift’s retirement in the wake of the 1967 premiership triumph. HHad the role of a half-forward/ruck-rover in the ’67 Grand Final win against Geelong, but the Tigers’ brains-trust decided he would make an ideal replacement for Swift at full-back. Turned into one of the premier full-backs of the competition. During the 1969 season, he became the first player (one of just two full-backs overall) to hold Hawthorn’s champion full-forward Peter Hudson goalless during a league match. Also did a mighty job later that year in the Grand Final, restricting Carlton’s superstar spearhead Alex Jesaulenko to just one goal, as the Tigers captured the premiership. Used his body extremely well in one-on-one contests with opponents, was a strong mark, reliable kick, and had a fine football brain.
Dick Clay
After starring for Richmond in two premierships (1967 and 1969) on a wing, Clay subsequently was shifted to full-back by the Tigers, who were looking to shore up that important key-position post. As good as he’s been as a wingman, you could mount a strong argument he was even better as a full-back. With his explosive pace, fine marking ability, superb long kicking and excellent judgment, he turned into an elite full-back of the competition. Produced top-class football there in the Club’s back-to-back premierships of 1973-1974. Thrived on the pressure associated with playing on the best full-forwards going around, such as Doug Wade and Peter McKenna.
Scott Turner
Joined Richmond from rival league club Melbourne, where he had spent a couple of seasons playing at under-19s and reserve-grade level, without breaking into senior ranks. Eventually developed into an integral member of the Tigers’ team as a reliable full-back. Kept champion Hawthorn spearhead Jason Dunstall goalless in a late 1995 season, which was no mean feat. Was a cult hero of the Tiger Army, who loved his aggression, straight-ahead style of play, and thumping, long kicks out of defence. Provided the Club with excellent service throughout a decade-long career and earned the utmost respect of teammates, coaches and fans alike.
Darren Gaspar
Was selected with the first pick overall in the 1993 National Draft by Sydney, but after two seasons and 21 senior appearances for the Swans, joined Richmond via the 1996 pre-season draft. Gained valuable experience in his first few games with the Tigers, playing at full-back on two of league football’s all-time great full forwards – Jason Dunstall and Tony Lockett. Became an extremely consistent, valuable performer for Richmond over the course of the next decade. Had a wiry build, but was able to win so many one-on-one contests because of his marking strength and spoiling ability. Won the 2001 Jack Dyer Medal after finishing runner-up in 2000. Dual All-Australian representative in 2000 and 2001.
