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. 16 Yellow and Black guernsey . . .
Kevin O’Neill – 209 games, 1930-1941
Top-class backman, who formed part of Richmond’s famous last line of defence during the 1930s, along with Maurie Sheahan and Martin Bolger. Was a dashing player, who liked to back his judgement, but also utilised his strength to outpoint opponents. Played an important role in the Tigers’ 1932 and 1934 premierships, as well as their 1931, 1933 and 1940 Grand Final teams. Went about his on-field business with minimum fuss and maximum efficiency.
Bryan Wood – 168 games, 1973-1982
Started his league career at Richmond by winning the Club’s Best First Year Player award in 1972 and went on to develop into one of the competition’s best wingmen. Was a tough, fiercely determined competitor, quick, an excellent mark, and a long, penetrating kick. Thrived on the cut and thrust of big-occasion games. Played in the Tigers’ 1973, 1974 and 1980 premierships and was a member of the 1982 Grand Final side.
Ben Holland – 125 games, 1996-2003
Tall, powerfully-built player, who alternated between the key-forward and key-back posts during his eight-season stint with Richmond. Could provide the Tigers with a strong marking target in attack, or use his aerial expertise to repel opposition forward thrusts. Was traded to Melbourne at the end of the 2003 season.
Luke McGuane – 89 games, 2008-2013
Recruited by Richmond from Queensland, he started his league career as a key defender, but later became a handy option up forward, kicking 35 goals in his last two seasons (a total of 21 games) with the Tigers. Was strong overhead, determined, courageous, and a fine team player. Extracted the most out of the football ability he possessed in his time at Tigerland, before returning to his native Queensland to play for Brisbane.
Cyril Lilburne – 74 games, 1926-1929
Talented utility player, who had a significant impact in just a four-season league career with Richmond. Was a half-back in the Tigers’ losing 1927 Grand Final side, a follower in their 1928 runner-up team, and a centreman in the 1929 line-up that again finished second. Captained Richmond in his final season of league football in 1929.
Artie Bettles – 73 games, 1914-1920
Reliable back pocket, renowned for his safe marking. Won Richmond’s Best and Fairest award in 1916 and was a member of the Club’s 1919 Grand Final side. Unfortunately, missed the Tigers’ inaugural league premiership in 1920 due to a leg injury.
Frank Harley – 62 games, 1922-1925
Top utility player, whose attributes of stamina, skill and determination made him a key member of the Richmond line-up. Performed impressively in the Tigers’ back-to-back premiership sides of 1920-1921, as a half-forward in ’20, and a wingman in ’21.
Les Jones – 56 games, 1946-1949
Powerfully-built ruckman, who provided the great Jack Dyer with capable ruck back-up. Was a member of Richmond’s 1944 Grand Final side, in just his third senior game. Won the Club’s Most Determined Player award in 1946 and finished third in the 1947 Best and Fairest award.
Colin Austen – 51 games, 1950-1952
Joined Richmond after an illustrious career at Hawthorn, where he won the Brownlow Medal (awarded retrospectively). The courageous, quality backman, who combined solid defence with attacking flair, finished fourth in the Tigers’ 1951 Best and Fairest award. Later took over as playing-coach of the Richmond reserves, and led them to consecutive premierships in 1954-1955.
Graham Jacobs – 50 games, 1959-1963
A lightly-built rover, who worked his way up through the ranks at Tigerland. Displayed great tenacity throughout his five-season career with Richmond. Was a member of the Tigers’ only night premiership side in 1962.
