In a special holiday season series at richmondfc.com.au, we’ve been asking you to select the best players to have filled each of the traditional on-field positions for the Tigers throughout the past half-century. We conclude today with the top Tiger utility players.
Barry Richardson
Played in three premierships with Richmond, in three different positions. Was half-forward in 1967, full-back in 1969 and full-forward in 1974. Used his body extremely well in one-on-one contests with opponents, was a strong mark, reliable kick and had a clever football brain. As a full-back during the 1969 season, he became the first league player (and one of only two ever) to keep Hawthorn’s champion full-forward Peter Hudson goalless in a match. In the Grand Final later that year, he also did a top job in curbing the effectiveness of Carlton superstar Alex Jesaulenko. Five years later, he kicked a game-high five goals (four of them in the last quarter) in the Tigers’ 1974 Grand Final victory over North Melbourne.
Kevin Morris
Had a significant impact in a variety of roles for the powerful Richmond sides of the early-mid 1970s, including ruck-rover, half-forward, half-back, centre, and even full-forward at one stage. Kicked a league career-high eight goals in a match against South Melbourne late in the 1973 season. Was a tough, strong, determined, straight-ahead style of player, but he mixed those physical attributes with a high skill level and considerable football ‘smarts’. Thrived on big-occasion matches and was an important member of Richmond’s back-to-back premiership sides of 1973-74. Won the Jack Dyer Medal in 1975.
Barry Rowlings
Joined Richmond at 28 years of age following a successful four-season career at Hawthorn, which included being a member of its 1976 premiership win. Shrugged off a serious knee injury to go on and become a top-class, consistent contributor for the Tigers in several roles through the midfield, as well as the occasional stint at half-forward. Was quick, had great stamina, gained plenty of possessions, and his spearing left-foot kicks provided numerous opportunities for teammates. Won the Jack Dyer Medal in his first season with the Club, was second in 1982 and third in 1984. Captained Richmond for two seasons and was a pivotal player in the Tigers’ 1980 premiership triumph.
Joel Bowden
The son of 1969 Richmond premiership player Mike Bowden carved out a fine, 14-season career at Tigerland, overcoming severe shoulder problems early on. An extremely talented player, who was successfully used by the Tigers in numerous on-field positions – wing, half-forward, half-back, back pocket, full-back, centre half-back, half-forward, ruck-rover, centre half-forward and full-forward. Tap ruckman was about the only role he didn’t fill for the team! Renowned for his ball-getting ability, superb left-foot kicking skills and clever reading of the play. Back-to-back winner of the Jack Dyer Medal in 2004-2005 and an All-Australian representative in 2005-2006.
Brett Deledio
The No. 1 pick in the AFL’s 2004 National Draft became a star performer for Richmond, renowned for his durability, all-round skills package and versatility. Excelled as a rebounding defender across the half-back line, a gun midfielder and, in latter seasons, as a high half-forward. Won the AFL’s Rising Star award in his 2005 debut season, was a two-time winner of the Jack Dyer Medal (2008, 2009), and a dual All-Australian representative during his time with the Tigers, before joining Greater Western Sydney in last October’s AFL trade period.
