In a special holiday season series, richmondfc.com.au is 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. Our focus today is on the centremen candidates...
Bill Barrot
Dynamic centreman with electrifying, match-winning capabilities. Supremely fit, strong, energetic, and had a fanatical desire to succeed. Covered a huge amount of ground in his quest to win the ball and was a magnificent long kick. Loved nothing better than strutting his stuff on centre stage at the MCG in September in front of a huge crowd. Was the driving force behind Richmond’s drought-breaking 1967 premiership triumph, producing a superb, best-on-ground display in the epic Grand Final against Geelong. Two years later, in the 1969 Grand Final against Carlton, he again responded in brilliant style to the big challenge, helping lift the Tigers to the ultimate success. Won the Jack Dyer Medal in 1965, was selected as the centreman in Richmond’s Team of the Century, and is a Tigers’ Hall of Fame inductee.
Ian Stewart
Brilliant centreman, who thrived at Richmond after being traded by St Kilda in exchange for Bill Barrot. Won a third Brownlow Medal in his debut season with the Tigers in 1971, as well as the Jack Dyer Medal that year. Subsequently played a pivotal role in Richmond’s 1973 premiership success. Was a magnificent kick with either foot, consistently hitting his targets with pinpoint precision, an excellent mark for his size, had superb vision, balance, evasiveness and incredible courage. One of the most complete players the game has ever seen. Is the only player in league football history to have achieved the feat of winning a Brownlow Medal, and being part of a premiership team, at two different clubs. Also is a member of both Richmond’s and St Kilda’s Team of the Century.
Geoff Raines
One of the classiest players ever to pull on a boot for Richmond. Was a glorious long kick, a spectacular mark, beautifully balanced, and also had a good deal of toughness to go with all those silky skills he possessed. His ability to win the ball at the centre bounces, burst clear of opponents, and launch a prodigious drop punt goalwards, was a constant source of delight to Yellow and Black barrackers. A triple Tiger best and fairest winner, he was at his brilliant best in the Club’s all-conquering 1980 premiership season. Racked up 36 disposals against Collingwood in a dazzling ’80 Grand Final display that underlined his tremendous talent. Member of Richmond’s Team of the Century.
Maurice Rioli
A truly gifted player, who was a sensation at Richmond after arriving from WAFL club South Fremantle. Renowned for his ability to dodge and weave his way through packs and then deliver the ball with pinpoint accuracy, either by hand or foot. Although not particularly quick over the ground, his reflexes were lightning fast, enabling him to stay a step or two ahead of opponents. Won the Norm Smith Medal for being best afield in the Tigers’ 1982 Grand Final loss to Carlton, and took out the Jack Dyer Medal that year, as well as in 1983. Also finished runner-up in the ’83 Brownlow Medal. Thrilled the Tiger Army with his dazzling on-field exploits as a centreman.
Matthew Knights
Stylish left-footer, who provided Richmond with great value over the course of his long league career. Had impeccable balance, excellent evasive skills, racked up disposals seemingly at will, and used the ball superbly. Played a pivotal role in the Tigers’ 1995 finals campaign, producing an outstanding performance in their memorable come-from-behind semi-final victory over Essendon. Won two Jack Dyer Medals (1990 and 1992), captained the Club from 1997-2000, and represented Victoria six times. Was named in Richmond’s Team of the Century.
