Kevin Webb, Richmond’s second-oldest living footballer, who played seven games in 1949, has died.
Webb died February 26, 2025, aged 96, his daughter Jenny wrote in an email to Rhett Bartlett. “He had lived a great and full life.”
One of our last living players to take the field in the 1940s, Webb was recruited from Sunshine, played for the Richmond Thirds in 1947, and 21 games for the Reserves between 1947 and 1949.
The Argus, May 21st 1947 detailing his clearance to Tigerland.
A 173cm strong backman, he wore No. 13, and debuted in Round 3 1949 v North Melbourne (what our records now recognise as Dyer’s 300th game), coming on at half-time to replace the injured Fred Burge.
It was tough for the 20-year-old to break into the Tiger side, with Burge, Ken Sier, and Bob Wiggins already established in the backline. So, he often had to make do with a selection as 19th or 20th man.
For the Reserves he was a member of the losing 1948 Grand Final side – and reported by two umpires that day for striking - and in the 1949 Finals series he was listed among Richmond’s best in the Second Semi and Preliminary Finals.
In June of 1949 he played in the two Richmond matches against a Western Australian 2nds side on Subiaco Oval, which included teammates Jack Dyer, Bill Morris, and Ray Poulter.
Sunday Times, June 25th 1949.
He later joined Yarraville for the 1950 season then transferred to the Melbourne Football Club where he played four games.
His footy career then took the turn of a ‘journeyman’, lining up for Box Hill, Donald, Yarraville, The Rock, and North Footscray.
Upon his retirement he joined the Footscray Football Club as an Under 19s Manager, then Reserves Manager, Committeeman, was General Manager from 1973 to 1977, and awarded life membership.
