Two of the greatest players in Tigerland’s proud history are both celebrating their birthdays today (March 6, 2015).
Richmond’s five-time premiership hero (1967, 1969, 1973, 1974, 1980) and Club ‘Immortal’ Kevin Bartlett turns 68, while the Tigers’ four-time flag star (1967, 1969, 1973, 1974) Dick Clay has reached the 70th birthday milestone.
Bartlett, who made his senior league debut at Richmond 50 years ago, in Round 3 1965, against St Kilda at the MCG, is the all-time games’ record-holder for the Tigers, with 403.
He won the Jack Dyer Medal as the Club’s Best and Fairest player five times (1967, 1968, 1973, 1974, 1977), took out the Tigers’ leading goalkicker award four times (1974, 1975, 1977, 1983) and also was named in the Richmond’s Team of the Century as first rover.
Clay, who debuted for Richmond in Round 2 of the 1966 season, against Footscray at the MCG, played 213 games all-up, and was selected on a wing in the Tigers’ Team of the Century, although he also had a major impact as a full-back later in his league career.
Bartlett and Clay played together a total of 199 times, for 142 wins, 56 losses and 1 draw. That’s an impressive winning strike-rate of 71.3 %.
I’m sure all Yellow and Black devotees join me in extending very best birthday wishes to ‘KB’ and the (original) ‘Kyabram Kid’.
Thanks for the wonderful memories, too...
Dick Clay pictured last year, Pic: Glenn Ferguson
