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. Today we focus on the main wearers of the No. 41 Yellow and Black guernsey . . .
Nathan Foley – 154 games, 44 goals, 2005-2014
One of the great success stories of the AFL’s rookie draft system. Selected by the Tigers with their first pick in the 2004 rookie draft, he was subsequently promoted to the Club’s primary playing list and made his senior league debut midway through the 2005 season. By 2007, he had blossomed into one of the competition’s best young midfielders, finishing a close second in the Jack Dyer Medal that year. Continued his fine form in 2008. Gained selection for Victoria in the special tribute match against the Dream Team at the MCG, as part of the 150-year anniversary celebrations of Australian Football, and was one of the best for the Big V in its win, showcasing to the football world his contested ball-winning ability, hard running and polished disposal. Unfortunately, from 2009 onwards, he endured a horror injury run for several years, culminating in his premature retirement the end of the 2014 season, aged 29, because of a degenerative knee condition. In between long stints on the sidelines, however, he still managed to play some good football for the Tigers – such was his exemplary level of professionalism, determination and courage.
Scott Turner – 144 games, 33 goals, 1991-1999
Recruited by Richmond via the AFL’s mid-season draft back in 1990 following a stint at Melbourne, where he’d played under 19s football. Made his senior league debut with the Tigers in the opening round of 1991 and played all 22 senior games that season, winning the Club’s Best First Year Player award. Although predominantly a full-back, he also was effectively used by the Tigers at times as a forward – most notably in the 1995 cut-throat semi-final victory over Essendon, where he used his strong physical presence, along with two goals, to help spark a stirring Yellow and Black comeback. As a full-back, he managed to keep champion Hawthorn full-forward Jason Dunstall goalless for an entire match during that ’95 season, which was no mean feat. Was a cult hero of the Tiger Army, who loved his aggression, straight-ahead style of play, and thumping, long kicks out of defence. Unfortunately, following seven operations in a determined effort to fix persistent knee problems, he also was forced to retire from league football at 29 years of age.
Peter Cloke – 28 games, 4 goals, 1970-1973
Older brother of dual Richmond premiership player and star key forward David Cloke, who worked his way through the ranks at Tigerland, starting off in the under 19s, where he played in three consecutive premiership teams (1967-69). A strong marking, long kicking, key-position player, he made his senior debut with the Tigers in 1970. His league career at Richmond, however, was interrupted by a broken leg and he lacked continuity at the game’s highest level. Went on to become a star performer in the VFA for Oakleigh and later with SANFL club North Adelaide.
