Ian Miles, the talented Essex Heights recruit, who played four senior games between 1971 and 1972, has died.

Miles died January 9, 2025, his family announced. He was 72.

Across his five years at Tigerland he captained the Richmond Fourths (1969), won their Best and Fairest that same year, played in the Under 19s 1970 premiership, and was runner-up in the 1972 Reserves Best and Fairest – all whilst still a teenager.

For all his four senior games, Miles started on the interchange.

On his debut, Round 16, 1971, he was the youngest player in the side, and replaced Roger Dean in the last quarter.

The following week he replaced Kevin Sheedy in the last quarter, and when he reappeared in the senior side the following season in Round 11 and Round 12, he came on for Royce Hart, and Marty McMillan, respectively.

A 6ft wingman and half-back, he was a regular member of the Reserves, amassing 42 games and 16 goals. In the Under 19s he played 12 games; including as one of the best on ground in the 1970 premiership win over Geelong.

Born October 15, 1952 in Melbourne, Miles was a skilful teenager winning the Essex Heights Under 15 Best and Fairest, a premiership, and the competition’s Best Player award, all in 1966.

After his time at Tigerland he transferred to VFA club Waverley in June of 1973.

The Tigers were fortunate to have such a top-notch teenager in their recruiting zone of Mount Waverley.