In a special summer series, Richmond Media is counting down the top 25 Tiger recruits from rival AFL clubs throughout the past five decades. Coming in at No. 24 is Troy Simmonds.

Troy Simmonds arrived at Richmond during the AFL’s 2004 trade period in a three-way deal that also saw Aaron Fiora depart Tigerland for St Kilda and Heath Black return to Fremantle following a stint with the Saints.

Simmonds had played 64 games for the Dockers from 2002-04 and kicked 59 goals, including 35 in the season before he joined Richmond, predominantly playing centre half-forward.

The 197cm, 99kg big man had started his league career at Melbourne, where he’d played 40 games, including an appearance in the 2000 Grand Final, which the Demons lost to Essendon by 10 goals (Simmonds was carted off on a stretcher that day after being knocked unconscious by an errant hip and shoulder bump from Bomber Michael Long).

Richmond, impressed with Simmonds’ mobility, versatility, and all-round skills set, lured him to Tigerland on an initial five-year contract, which was a particularly lengthy one at that time in the competition.

He had a serviceable first season with the Tigers in 2005, winning his fair share of hit-outs in the ruck, possessions around the ground, and kicking 19 goals while spending time up forward.

The following year, Simmonds had what was to be the best season of his AFL career. He generated considerable drive for the Richmond side in his role as No. 1 ruckman and capped off his work by booting 25 goals.

Simmonds’ high level of performance throughout 2016 earned him a career-high 11 Brownlow Medal votes and third placing in the Jack Dyer Medal.

In 2007, injury problems, including a life-threatening blood clot in his lung, restricted Simmonds to just 10 games.

But Simmonds bounced back in brave, bold style in 2008. He gained selection in the Victorian side for the special match against the Dream Team, as part of Australian Football’s 150th year celebrations, averaged a career-high 16.7 disposals per game, and finished sixth in Richmond’s Best and Fairest award.

Further injuries took their toll on Simmonds after that 2008 season and he subsequently retired from AFL football in 2010.

He had played 93 games and kicked 66 goals for Richmond in a six-season career that justified the faith the Tigers had shown in him from the outset.