Roger Dean’s elevation to ‘Immortal’ status at Richmond has been warmly received by two of the Tigers’ greatest-ever players, Francis Bourke and Michael Green. Here’s what Bourke and Green had to say about their former captain and premiership teammate at Tigerland . . .

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Bourke on Dean

“Roger epitomised what it meant to be a true Tiger. He was a warrior of a player, and not so big either. It should be remembered that Roger officially was only 175cm tall – but he played like a giant. He could jump with the ruckmen, he could mix it on the ground with anyone, he could read the play. In fact, he played in many positions.

"He never forgot the tough times. He always reflected on his tough upbringing around the streets of Richmond . . . When I came to Richmond, as a young man, he was one of the players who went out of his way to make me feel welcome, even though I was only playing in the reserves at that stage of my career.

"I’m sure others, like me, got the benefit of Roger’s human qualities like that, and you never forget those things, either . . . I’m thrilled that the Club has seen fit to honour him in the way that it has. It’s thoroughly deserved.”

Green on Dean

“Roger, as a person, is a gentleman, and a gentle man. He was neither as a player. Roger was an extremely brave player and an extremely courageous player. In an era of football, which was far dirtier than today, when there were lots of punches and lots of elbows, Roger never took his eye off the ball and always gave 100 percent.

"Also, to be an ‘Immortal’ of the Club, you’ve got to be an extremely gifted player, and Roger was extremely gifted. He had beautiful balance, lovely clean hands, he didn’t fumble the ball, he didn’t fall over. And, as a small person, he had a terrific, vertical leap. He could really spring and take a mark. In fact, taking a very good mark for a small person was maybe Roger’s X-factor.

"He was a wonderful player, someone who I loved playing with, and was inspiring to play with . . . He was a wonderful captain. I think Roger was the best captain I played with because he was so brave and so selfless, and did everything that you would ask a player to do.

"Even without being given the official title by the Club, Roger is an Immortal. For anyone who played with Roger, anyone who saw Roger play, he’s an Immortal.”

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