We continue our special holiday season series at richmondfc.com.au, 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, from the candidates we have nominated. Our focus today is on the centre half-forwards...
Paddy Guinane
Solidly-built player, renowned for his strong marking and energetic playing style. Was used mainly as a defender and ruckman early in his career at Richmond, but eventually established himself as a key forward. Alternated between full-forward and centre half-forward. Dual winner of Richmond’s leading goalkicker award – in 1966 with 50 goals and in 1968 with 41 goals. Was a key member of the Tigers’ 1967 premiership side. His highest goal tally in a match was eight against Collingwood during the ’68 season.
Royce Hart
A true Tigerland great. Wonderfully-gifted centre half-forward, who was the consummate big-occasion player. Constantly lifted the Tigers throughout matches with inspirational acts of brilliance, just when they were needed. Could mark the ball from any position – over the top of a pack, sweeping across the front of a pack, which was his trademark, or backing into a pack with incredible bravery. His ground-level play also was exquisite. Applied fierce pressure to opponents, when he didn’t have the ball, like a modern-day midfielder. And, he was a superb kick for goal – left-foot drop punts that split the big sticks from the acutest angles or longest distances. Captained Richmond in its back-to-back premiership triumphs of 1973-1974, played in four flag sides all-up with the Tigers, won two Jack Dyer Medals and took out the Club’s leading goalkicker award twice. Was named centre half-forward in Richmond’s Team of the Century, is one of just six Tiger ‘Immortals’, and an Australian Football Hall of Fame Legend.
David Cloke
Started his senior career at Richmond as a skinny half-forward. Played on the flank in the Club’s 1974 premiership side, in what was his debut season of league football. By the Tigers won their next flag in 1980, Cloke had become a powerfully-built, dominant centre half-forward. Used his body superbly in physical contests to take strong marks or create space for teammates to move into. Had an awkward, but effective kicking action and scored plenty of goals. Finished with 40 goals or more in a season four times, with a best return of 57 in 1979. Booted six goals in Richmond’s 1980 Grand Final demolition of Collingwood. Captained the Tigers in their last Grand Final appearance in 1982.
Michael Pickering
Talented, courageous player, who held down the vital centre half-forward post at key times throughout his career with Richmond. Despite having a relatively slender build, he consistently displayed great bravery in hurling himself into packs to compete for marks. Was fearless in his pursuit of the ball, either at aerial or ground level, and absorbed considerable punishment on-field during his playing career without ever flinching. Was an excellent mark and, although not quick, covered plenty of ground throughout a match due to his elite endurance. Won the Jack Dyer Medal in 1988.
Brendon Gale
Provided Richmond with great service throughout his league playing career, initially at centre half-forward. Was a strong mark, a long kick, mobile, and an intelligent reader of the play. Scored 20 goals or more in a season on six occasions, with a best return of 34 in 1996, which included a league career-high six in a match against Fitzroy at the MCG. An important member of the Tigers’ finals campaigns in 1995 and 2001.
