We continue our special holiday season series at richmondfc.com.au, asking Tiger fans to select the best player to have worn each of the most significant guernsey numbers in the Club’s history. To assist in your quest, we have profiled those players who have racked up a minimum of 50 games in the number. The game totals and years listed relate to those played while wearing the specific number, not total Richmond career numbers. Today, we turn our attention to No. 10.
No. 10
Kevin Sheedy – 251 games, 1967-1979
Started his league career with Richmond as a centreman, but found his niche as a tough, uncompromising, fiercely-determined back pocket, who made life hell for the opposition’s resting rovers. Subsequently starred for the Tigers in a ruck-roving role, where the greater freedom enabled his football creativity to really come to the fore. A vital member of the 1969, 1973 and 1974 premiership sides, as well as the 1972 Grand Final team, won the Jack Dyer Medal in 1976, captained the Club in 1978, was named back pocket in Richmond’s Team of the Century, and is a Tigers’ Hall of Fame inductee.
Shane Edwards – 168 games, 2007-2015
Richmond’s second pick (No. 26 overall) in the 2006 National Draft has become one of the team’s most important players over the past couple of years in his role rotating between the forward line and midfield. Possesses good pace, is highly-skilled, elusive, and a goalkicker. Finished a career-high fourth in the 2014 Jack Dyer Medal.
Nick Daffy – 139 games, 1995-2001
Drafted by Richmond in 1990, but didn’t establish himself as a key senior regular with the Tigers until he donned the No. 10 guernsey in 1995. Was the Club’s leading goalkicker that season in his half-forward role, with 45 goals. Later became a prolific possession-winning midfielder for the team. Won the Jack Dyer Medal in 1998.
Jimmy Smith – 132 games, 1917-1926
Developed into a first-class half-back, after starting at Richmond as a forward. Renowned for his toughness and football ‘smarts’. Was a member of the Tigers’ 1920 and 1921 premiership sides and the 1919 Grand Final team.
Fred Burge – 109 games, 1944-1950
Talented rover, who was a consistent goalkicker while resting in the forward pocket. Won the Club’s leading goalkicker award in 1945 and finished third in the Best and Fairest award the same year. Was a member of the Tigers’ 1942 and 1944 Grand Final sides.
Graeme Gahan – 89 games, 1959-1966
Determined, courageous half-back. Was a member of Richmond’s only night premiership side in 1962 and finished third in the Club’s Best and Fairest award that year. Had a straight-ahead playing style.
Greg Stafford – 74 games, 2002-2006
Traded to Richmond by Sydney in exchange for Nick Daffy, he went on to provide the Tigers with good value over a five-season stint at the Club. Bolstered Richmond’s line-up with his physical presence, strong marking, accurate kicking for goal, football nous and experience. Spent more time forward with the Tigers, rather than in the ruck, where he’d excelled at Sydney.
Jack Fincher – 69 games, 1927-1930
A clever, courageous, tenacious rover, who was Richmond’s sole goalkicker in the 1927 Grand Final loss to Collingwood. Also played in the Tigers’ 1928 and 1929 Grand Final sides.
Tim Gepp – 57 games, 1983-1985
A determined half-back recruited by Richmond from WAFL club Subiaco. Was a close-checking defender, who performed admirably throughout his time with the Tigers by nullifying many dangerous opponents.
