In a special summer series, Richmond Media is counting down the top 25 Tiger recruits from rival AFL clubs throughout the past five decades. Paul Broderick is at No. 9.

Paul Broderick had a major impact at Richmond from the moment he walked through the Punt Road doors as part of the famous trade that saw Tigers 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 he took his game to an even higher level.  

Broderick was totally 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, plus plenty of stamina, and you had a terrific all-round football package.  

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, the Tigers 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 Richmond’s Best and Fairest award.

Then, in 1996, Broderick captured the Jack Dyer Medal following another top-class, consistent season, where he averaged nearly 25 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.

All-up, he played 169 games in an excellent eight-year career with Richmond.