With the departure of several players from Richmond since the end of the 2018 season, we’re taking a look at the history of all the guernsey numbers available at the Club for 2019. The game totals and years listed relate to those played while wearing the specific number, not total Richmond career numbers. We turn our attention today to the main wearers of the No. 24 Yellow and Black guernsey . . .
Ray Poulter – 164 games, 1947-1956
Powerful centre half-forward, who was a strong mark and a long left-foot kick. Won Richmond’s leading goalkicker award in 1949, 1950 and 1955. Finished runner-up in the Tigers’ Best and Fairest award and was awarded life membership of the Club in 1955.
George Smeaton – 149 games, 1935-1946
Hard-nosed, fearless key defender, who also had occasional stints up forward. Was strong overhead and an extremely determined competitor at ground level. Earned an impressive reputation for his capacity to play with injuries. Played in Richmond’s losing Grand Final teams of 1940, 1942 and 1944, but missed the 1943 premiership as he was on war service.
Bill Barrot – 120 games, 1961-1970
Dynamic centreman with match-winning capabilities. Was supremely fit, strong, energetic, and had a fanatical desire to succeed. Covered plenty of ground in his quest to win the ball and was a thumping long kick. Thrived on the cut and thrust of big-occasion matches with the Tigers. Played a pivotal role in Richmond’s 1967 and 1969 premiership triumphs. Won the Club’s Best and Fairest award in 1965.
Mark Coughlan – 92 games, 2001-2009
Tough, prolific ball-winning midfielder, who seemed destined for greatness at Tigerland until his league career was wrecked by serious knee problems. Won the Jack Dyer Medal in 2003 after finishing third the previous year.
Graeme Bond – 60 games, 1971-73, 1975
Lightning fast small man, who played predominantly as a wingman and second rover during his time with the Tigers. Kicked the match-sealing goal for Richmond in the 1969 Grand Final against Carlton after coming on to the ground as the team’s 19th man.
Ben Griffiths – 54 games, 2012-17
Talented tall forward, whose time at Tigerland was marred by a series of injuries and concussion injuries. Quit AFL football in January this year to pursue a career as an American football punter.
Andy Goodwin – 53 games, 1988-1991
Rugged utility player, who thrived on the physical aspects of the game. Had a relentless approach and gave it his all every time he pulled on the Yellow and Black guernsey. Won the Tigers’ Best First Year Player award.
Graeme Robertson – 51 games, 1976-1977, 1979, 1981
Tall, crew-cut, key defender, who was a steady player for Richmond after joining the Club from Carlton. Was hard at it and quite mobile for his size.
