We continue our special holiday season series at richmondfc.com.au, where we ask Tiger fans to select the best player to have worn each of the most significant guernsey numbers in the Club’s history.  To assist in your quest, we have profiled those players who have racked up a minimum of 50 games in the number.  The game totals and years listed relate to those played while wearing the specific number, not total Richmond career numbers.  Today, it’s the turn of No. 17.

No. 17

Jack Dyer – 312 games, 1931-1949

Outstanding ruckman, who was the embodiment of the Tigers’ famous ‘Eat ‘em Alive’ spirit.  His on-field exploits for Richmond during the 1930s and 40s are legendary. ‘Captain Blood’, as he was known, due to his swashbuckling style of play, struck fear into the hearts and minds of all opponents – and ignited a passion within Tiger fans that has been passed down from generation to generation.  No individual has had a bigger influence on a league club’s psyche than Jack Dyer.  Was renowned for his bone-jarring shirt-fronts, which left many an opponent bloodied, battered and bruised.  After suffering a knee injury early in his career, he was restricted in his movement, so he adopted the straight-ahead playing style that was to become his trademark.   Hated losing, and did everything in his considerable might each week to ensure it didn't happen to his beloved Tigers.  Notwithstanding the reputation he had as one of league football’s toughest-ever competitors, there was so much more to him as a player.  He was an excellent mark, top kick, and possessed an excellent football brain, which ensured he seemingly always did the right thing on the field of battle.  Missed Richmond’s 1932 premiership due to a severe knee injury, but was a pivotal member of the 1934 and 1943 flag teams.  Was the Club’s captain-coach from 1941-1949, and won the Tigers’ Best and Fairest a record six times.  Also took out the Club’s leading goalkicker award on two occasions. Became the first individual in Tigerland history to be elevated to ‘Immortal’ status, and was named captain of Richmond’s Team of the Century.

Paul Broderick – 169 games, 1994-2001

Highly-skilled, creative midfielder, who was traded to Richmond by Fitzroy as part of the deal for the Tigers’ captain Jeff Hogg in late 1993.  Went on to have a profound impact at Tigerland through his prolific ball-winning ability, first-class disposal, especially via handball, and exemplary work ethic.  Was a consummate professional with the way he way about his football.  Won the Jack Dyer Medal in 1996, was runner-up in 1994, and third in 1995.   Played an important role in Richmond’s 1995 and 2001 finals campaigns. 

Donald Don – 158 games, 1917-1928

Started his league career with Richmond in 1917 as a rover, but later turned into a champion full-back! Was a fine mark, excellent exponent of the drop kick, had great anticipation and clever goal sense.  Won the Tigers’ leading goalkicker award in 1918 and 1919.  Kicked a team-high two goals, out of a total of seven, in Richmond’s 1920 Grand Final triumph, and also was a valuable contributor, on a half-forward flank, in the Tigers’ 1921 flag win.  Continued to provide the team with fine service around the packs and up forward over the next few years, until the great Vic Thorp’s retirement at the end of the 1925 season, when he was thrust into the full-back role by the Richmond selectors.  Although initially reluctant to play there, Don quickly adapted to the position.  He would go on to become a top full-back for the Tigers, combining strong defensive work with attacking flair.  Inducted into Richmond’s Hall of Fame in 2015.

Barry Richardson – 125 games, 1965-1974

One of the most valuable, versatile players in Tigerland history.  Played in three premierships with Richmond – in three different positions!  Was half-forward in 1967, full-back in 1969, and full-forward in 1974.  Used his body extremely well in one-on-one contests with opponents, was a strong mark, reliable kick, and had a fine football brain.  While playing at full-back during the 1969 season, he became the first league player (and one of only two ever) to keep Hawthorn’s champion full-forward Peter Hudson goalless in a match.  In the Grand Final later that year, he also did a top job in curbing the effectiveness of Carlton champion Alex Jesaulenko.  Five years later, he kicked a game-high five goals (four of them in the last quarter) in the Tigers’ 1974 Grand Final victory over North Melbourne.

Maurice Rioli – 85 games, 1982-1985

A truly gifted player, who was a sensation at Richmond after arriving from WAFL club South Fremantle.  Was 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 quick, which enabled 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.

Chris Newman – 81 games, 2009-2012

Wore the ‘captain’s number’, named in honor of Jack Dyer following his passing, with distinction for four seasons.  Had fine leadership qualities and was a dependable defender, who never seemed flustered.  Was a top-class, left-foot kick, and an excellent reader of the play.

Kane Johnson – 77 games, 2005-2008

Became the second Richmond skipper to wear the captain’s number (Wayne Campbell being the first), after just two seasons with the Tigers, following a highly-successful seven-season stint with Adelaide, which included the 1997-1998 premierships.  Was a very valuable addition to Richmond’s midfield due to his ball-winning ability, toughness, experience, football nous and admirable work ethic.  Won the Jack Dyer Medal in 2006, having been runner-up in 2003 and 2004.   

Bob Dummett – 66 games, 1954-1959

Lanky key forward, whose main football attributes were his strong marking and extremely accurate kicking for goal.  Won the Club’s leading goalkicker award three times – in 1956, 1957 and 1959.  Had his league career cut short due to a knee injury.

Craig Smith – 52 games, 1987-1993

Capable, consistent utility player.  Spent time with the Tigers as a ruck-rover, half-back and wingman.  Had an excellent debut season at Richmond, finishing runner-up in the Jack Dyer Medal.  Was a fine kick and moved well across the ground.

Allan Edwards – 51 games, 1976-1979

Talented forward, who looked like being the next big thing at Tigerland, until he was struck down by crippling knee injuries.  Was strong overhead, mobile and a good kick.  Won Richmond’s Best First Year Player award in 1975.  Kicked seven goals on champion Carlton full-back Geoff Southby, in the opening round of the 1978 season, to underline his huge potential.  The following year, however, he transferred to Collingwood, but continual injury problems eventually forced his premature retirement from the league playing ranks.