On the eve of Richmond’s 2017 finals campaign, Tony Greenberg reveals the top 10 Tiger players he’s seen strut their stuff in September.
1. Kevin Bartlett
Averaged 21.7 disposals per game in his 27 finals appearances for Richmond. Scored 62 goals all-up, at an average of 2.2 per final. Played a huge role in the Tigers’ 1967, 1969, 1973 and 1974 premiership sides as a brilliant, ‘ball-magnet’ rover, then set September alight in 1980 as an electrifying small forward (21 goals in three finals that year).
2. Royce Hart
The champion centre half-forward kicked 41 goals from 19 finals, including six as a teenager in his first final – the 1967 second-semi against Carlton. Starred in Richmond’s Grand Final triumph over Geelong a couple of weeks later, and throughout the best part of the next decade was a wonderfully inspirational finals performer for the Tigers, even when hampered by injury.
3. Kevin Sheedy
Was a pivotal player in Richmond’s 1969 finals campaign as a tough, uncompromising small back pocket. Subsequently had a major impact in the team as a ruck-rover. Was the catalyst for the Tigers’ 1973 premiership revenge against Carlton, kicking all three of the team’s first-quarter goals in the Grand Final. Averaged 18.1 disposals per game in 20 finals with Richmond.
4. Francis Bourke
Went from being an important team member in the Richmond flag sides of 1967 and 1969, as a tall, hard-running, long-kicking wingman, to a tough, tenacious, courageous, disciplined, extremely effective defender in the Tigers’ 1973, 1974 and 1980 premierships. Averaged 17.6 disposals per game in 23 finals.
5. Bill Barrot
Featured in only five finals during his playing career at Tigerland, but what an impact he had! The dynamic centreman was rated Richmond’s best player in its 1967 second semi-final and Grand Final victories. Two years later, when the Tigers again achieved the ultimate success, he was among the best players in all three of their finals wins. Averaged 24.9 disposals per game in his five finals.
6. Dick Clay
Also was a valuable, versatile finals performer throughout his decade-long career with Richmond. Initially, he utilised his great pace, strong marking and prodigious kicking to full advantage on a wing, where he played in the team’s 1967 and 1969 premierships. Later on, he developed into a crucial member of the Tigers’ 1973 and 1974 flag sides, as a top-class full-back.
7. Barry Richardson
The ultimate Tiger September swingman. Was one of Richmond’s best in the 1967 Grand Final victory over Geelong, playing as a half-forward. Two years later, he performed superbly at full-back in the 1969 premiership-decider, nullifying Carlton’s superstar spearhead Alex Jesaulenko. Then, in the 1974 Grand Final win against North Melbourne, he kicked five goals from full-forward.
8. Michael Green
His ruck dominance throughout the September of 1969 was a major factor in Richmond taking the flag after scraping into the finals that year. Was rated as the Tigers’ best player in all three finals. Following a brief retirement in 1972, he returned to Richmond and went on to be a key contributor in the Tigers’ back-to-back premierships of 1973-74.
9. Neil Balme
Is probably best remembered outside Tigerland for his aggression towards opponents in September, but that’s selling his finals record way too short. Averaged nearly two goals per game and 12.4 disposals in 16 finals. Scored four goals or more three times early in his league career as a big forward. Later on, flourished as a ruckman. Had 34 disposals in his last final.
10. Paul Sproule
After transferring from Essendon to Richmond, his time with the Tigers was relatively brief (1972-75), but exceptionally productive. The clever, highly-skilled on-baller averaged 18.5 disposals per game in 13 finals and kicked 13 goals. Was one of Richmond’s best players in its 1973-74 Grand Final wins. Those in the inner sanctum at Tigerland, during the glory days of the 70s, speak in glowing terms of the outstanding contribution he made to the side’s success.
