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, from the candidates we have nominated. We turn our attention today to the wingmen.
Dick Clay
Arrived at Richmond with plenty of fanfare, as a gun key forward from Victorian country club Kyabram. Played his early football with the Tigers at centre half-forward (pre-Royce Hart), before being moved to the wing in what proved to be a masterstroke. Quickly established himself as one of league football’s leading wingmen, utilising his explosive speed, agility, marking strength and long kicking to the team’s full advantage in that role. Thrived on the wide, open spaces of the MCG and formed an awesome partnership across Richmond’s centreline with Francis Bourke (opposite wing) and Bill Barrot (centreman). Had a significant influence as a wingman in the Tigers’ 1967 and 1969 premiership wins. Selected on a wing in Richmond’s Team of the Century.
Francis Bourke
Followed a similar path to the wing position at Tigerland as Dick Clay. Was a top key forward at Victorian country club Nathalia, but actually played some early games with Richmond in his 1967 debut season as second rover. Really found his niche when shifted to a wing later that season. Possessed the necessary discipline to stick tight and curb the effectiveness of his wing opponents, but also had many other fine attributes, which combined to make him such a success in the role. At 185cm (6ft 1in), was tall for a wingman of that era, enabling him to constantly win aerial contests. Also was extremely adept at ground level. Was super-tough, fiercely determined, had excellent anticipation, and kicked the ball long and direct. A valuable contributor on the wing in the Tigers’ 1967 and 1969 premiership sides. Named on a wing in Richmond’s Team of the Century.
Bryan Wood
Joined Richmond from suburban club Blackburn in 1970 and was a member of the under-19s premiership side in his first season at the Club. Worked his way through the ranks at Tigerland from there, making his senior league debut during the 1972 season. Won the Club’s Best First Year Player award in ’72 and was an integral member of Richmond’s back-to-back premiership sides of 1973-74, despite his relative inexperience at the game’s highest level. By the time the Tigers won another premiership in 1980, Wood was regarded as one of the competition’s best wingmen. Was tough, courageous, a superb high mark, long, penetrating kick, had plenty of pace, and a fierce determination to succeed. The bigger the occasion, the better he played.
Wayne Walsh
Was recruited by Richmond from suburban club Murrumbeena and made his senior debut with the Tigers in 1968. Due to a lack of opportunities at Tigerland back then, however, he transferred to rival league club South Melbourne at the end of the ’68 season. Became a star defender with the Swans until an argument with legendary coach Norm Smith resulted in him walking out on them and rejoining Richmond. Went on to have a major impact as a wingman in the Tigers’ 1973-74 premiership sides. A dashing player, who was strong overhead, a good kick, tough, and thrived in the pressure-cooker environment of big-occasion games.
Michael Gale
After nine seasons at Fitzroy, Gale joined Richmond, as part of the trade deal for the Tigers’ then captain Jeff Hogg at the end of 1993. It meant Gale was united with his younger brother Brendon, who, at the time, was Richmond’s centre half-forward and relief ruckman. Although a fair bit shorter than ‘Benny’ Gale, ‘Butch’, as he’s known, was strong overhead, as tough as teak, possessed enormous courage, an excellent work ethic and a top team-first ethos. Played a good deal of his football with the Tigers on a wing, where he used those attributes, along with running ability and efficient disposal, to great effect for the team.
