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, from the candidates we have nominated. Today we take a look at the ruck-rovers...
Alan Richardson
Was a powerfully-built, bullocking player with an excellent work ethic and team-first attitude. Affectionately known as ‘Bull’, he used his strength to split packs open and then create opportunities for teammates through constructive handball. Regarded as a football pioneer in the league competition at the time because of his prolific, precise use of handball. Played a pivotal role in Richmond’s drought-breaking 1967 premiership success. One of the Tigers’ best in the ’67 Grand Final classic against Geelong, finishing with 13 kicks, seven handballs, three marks and a goal.
Paul Sproule
Joined Richmond at the end of 1971 following a four-season stint at Essendon, which included being part of the Bombers’ losing Grand Final side in 1968. Went on to provide the Tigers with top value throughout the following four seasons through his professionalism, first-rate fitness levels, prolific possession-winning ability, silky skills, goal sense, and clever football brain. Consistently managed to find space out on the field, and his delivery of the ball to teammates was impeccable. Was a driving force in both of Richmond’s back-to-back Grand Final wins of 1973-74, against Carlton and North Melbourne, with his fine creative work on-ball. Although somewhat under-rated outside Tigerland, those in the inner sanctum at the Club, during the glory days of the ‘70s, hold him in the highest regard for the major contribution he made to the side’s success.
Paul Broderick
Had a huge impact at Richmond from the moment he arrived at the Club, as part of the famous trade that saw the Tigers’ captain at the time, 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 he took his game to an even higher level at Tigerland. Was totally professional in his approach to the game, consistently racked up high possession numbers, and created numerous opportunities for teammates through pinpoint disposal by both hand and foot. Also possessed superb evasive skills and plenty of stamina. Finished runner-up in Richmond’s Best and Fairest in his 1994 debut season with the Club, third in 1995, and then won the Jack Dyer Medal in 1996.
Wayne Campbell
Selected by Richmond at pick 29 overall in the 1989 AFL National Draft, he made his senior league debut early in the 1991 season under the coaching guidance of Tigers great Kevin Bartlett. Following a solid first-up season at the game’s highest level, his AFL career really took off in 1992, with triple Hawthorn premiership coach Allan Jeans having taken over as Richmond’s coach. Given a permanent role in the team’s midfield, as a ruck-rover, he carved a niche for himself as a hard-running ‘ball-magnet’, with a first-class work-rate and excellent decision-making capacity. Achieved a stack of individual honors throughout what was to be a long, distinguished league playing career at Tigerland, including four Jack Dyer Medals (1995, 1997, 1999 and 2002) and the Club’s captaincy from 2001-04. Inducted into Richmond’s Hall of Fame in 2013.
Dustin Martin
Richmond’s first pick (No. 3 overall) in the 2009 National Draft, he made a promising AFL debut in the opening round of 2010 and played 21 games all-up that season, with an impressive fourth-placing in the Jack Dyer Medal. Has gone from strength to strength since then, developing into a powerful, dynamic midfielder, and one of the competition’s leading players. His ability to win contested ball, fend off tackles with his trademark ‘don’t argue’, then burst clear and deliver the ball long and direct to teammates further afield, makes him a huge weapon for the Tigers. Won his inaugural Jack Dyer Medal in 2016, after finishing runner-up in the Club’s Best and Fairest twice (2013 and 2015) and third two times (2011 and 2014). Was named in the All-Australian line-up for the first time last year and also finished third in the 2016 Brownlow Medal.
