Richmond is mourning the sudden passing of 1969 premiership player Colin Beard, aged 77.

Beard was a rugged, big defender from WAFL club South Fremantle, who stood out of football for more than a year so that he could secure a transfer to Richmond.

He made his debut with the Tigers in the second half of the 1969 season, as a 27-year-old, and went on to play a total of 33 games for the Club, including the ’69 premiership success against Carlton, before returning to South Fremantle at the end of 1971.

Although Beard’s time at Tigerland was relatively short, he totally embraced the Club and provided the team with valuable service in his role as a back pocket minding the opposition’s resting ruckmen.

And he was highly regarded by those who played with him in the Richmond side because of his exemplary team-first ethos.

As a member of the 1969 premiership side, Beard was awarded Richmond life membership last year.

The Club extends its deepest sympathy to his family and friends.