Richmond is mourning the passing of dual premiership star Bill Barrot, who passed away earlier today, aged 72.
Barrot was a pivotal member of Richmond’s 1967 and 1969 premiership sides, named as centreman in the Tigers’ Team of the Century, a Richmond Hall of Fame inductee and Jack Dyer Medallist in 1965.
Recruited by Richmond from Jordanville, which was in the heart of its metropolitan zone at the time, Barrot made his first senior appearance for the Tigers in Round 17 of the 1961 season, against Geelong at Kardinia Park, at 17 years and 105 days of age.
Barrot went on to play 120 games for the Tigers from 1961-70, kicking 91 goals.
He was the driving force behind Richmond’s drought-breaking 1967 premiership triumph, producing a superb, best-on-ground display in the Grand Final against Geelong.
Barrot again was one of the Tigers’ best in the 1969 Grand Final victory over Carlton, booting three goals.
He received a warm welcome back to Richmond as the Club’s Homecoming Hero early in the 2015 home-and-away season.
Richmond president Peggy O’Neal paid tribute to the dynamic, decorated Tiger.
“It’s incredibly sad to hear the news of Billy’s passing, but we will remember him for all of the wonderful football memories that he gave us in his 10-year career at the Club,” O’Neal said.
“We fondly recall the famous Richmond centreline of Bourke, Barrot and Clay. They were a formidable force for any opposition in the competition at the time.
“As a dual premiership player, member of the Team of the Century, a Hall of Fame inductee and Jack Dyer Medallist, he will always be in the historical fabric of our great club.
“On behalf of the board, players, coaches, staff and members of the Richmond Football Club, we pass on our sincere condolences to Billy’s daughter Brittany and his former wife Sandra.”
Lost a great teammate today with the passing of billy barrot. He was a beautiful person and a superstar player all at Tigerland loved him-kb
— Kevin Bartlett (@KevinBartlett29) November 29, 2016
Bill Barrot fact file
Born: 6/5/1944
Height: 180cm
Playing weight: 82kg
Recruited to Richmond from: Jordanville
Guernsey number at Richmond: No. 24
Debut for Richmond: Round 17, 1961 v Geelong, Kardinia Park
Games for Richmond (1961-1970): 120
Goals for Richmond: 91
Honours at Richmond: Dual premiership player – 1967, 1969; member of the Tigers’ Team of the Century; Richmond Hall of Fame inductee; Jack Dyer Medallist in 1965