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 centre half-back candidates...
Mike Perry
Strongly-built, rugged red-head, who played an important role at centre half-back in Richmond’s drought-breaking 1967 premiership. His impressive form that season also earned him selection in the Victorian State side. Loved to back his judgment and dash downfield to turn defence into attack for the Tigers. Was unlucky to miss the Club’s 1969 premiership after being suspended on a striking charge in the final home-and-away round.
Robert McGhie
Tough, fearless player, who became an important member of Richmond’s back-to-back premiership sides of 1973-1974 at centre half-back, after previously struggling to cement himself as a senior regular in four seasons with Footscray. Exerted a strong physical presence on the field, but also generated considerable drive for the Tigers out of defence due to his pace, straight-ahead style of play and long, left-foot kicks. Filled a major need for Richmond in the key defensive post.
Jim Jess
A cult figure of the Tiger Army due to his Viking-like looks and tough, aggressive, courageous, straight-ahead playing style. Was an excellent mark, athletic, and a thumping, long kick, particularly with the old-fashioned torpedo punt. Played top-class football for Richmond predominantly at centre half-back, but was a valuable contributor as centre half-forward in the Tigers’ 1980 Grand Final demolition of Collingwood. Won the Club’s Most Determined Player award in 1979, was third in the 1980 Best and Fairest, and also gained selection in the All-Australian team that year.
Andrew Kellaway
Started on Richmond’s supplementary list, before being upgraded to the Club’s primary playing in 1998, but didn’t establish himself as an integral part of the Tigers’ senior line-up until 2000. Played every game that season, mainly at centre half-back, and capped off his impressive efforts by winning the Jack Dyer Medal, as well as gaining All-Australian selection. Went on to provide Richmond with excellent service throughout the rest of his league career, earning enormous respect from teammates, coaches, supporters and opponents alike for his courage, determination, dedication, discipline and durability.
Alex Rance
Was a priority pick (No. 18 overall) for Richmond in the 2007 AFL National Draft, having caught the eye of the Tiger talent scouts while playing at WAFL club Swan Districts. Just over nine years on, is widely regarded as the competition’s best key defender. Could easily have been included in the full-back category of this series, but also has played some exceptional football at centre half-back. Is the total package as a key backman, combining rock-solid defence with brilliant attacking flair. Possesses enormous courage, a fanatical desire to succeed, and is truly elite with his intercept ability. An All-Australian representative for the past three years, won the 2015 Jack Dyer Medal and was runner-up in 2016.
