In a special holiday season series, richmondfc.com.au is asking you to nominate 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 career numbers. We will go through them in numerical order, starting, of course, with the No. 1 Richmond guernsey.
No. 1
Percy Bentley – 263 games, 1925-1940
Strongly-built, mobile, champion ruckman, who was captain of Richmond’s 1932 premiership team and captain-coach of the Tigers’ 1934 flag side.
Mark Lee – 217 games, 1979-1991
Richmond’s No. 1 ruckman for more than a decade. Possessed a good leap and was extremely agile and mobile for a big man. Key member of the Tigers’ 1980 premiership team, won the Jack Dyer Medal in 1984, and captained the Club in 1985-1986.
Paddy Guinane – 146 games, 1958-1968
Solidly-built key forward, renowned for his strong marking. Dual winner of Richmond’s leading goalkicker award (1966, 1968) and a member of the Tigers’ 1967 premiership side.
Barney Herbert – 142 games, 1912-1921
Champion ruckman, who had inspirational leadership qualities. Back-to-back winner of the Club’s Best and Fairest award in 1918-1919. Subsequently was a driving force in Richmond’s 1920 and 1921 premiership triumphs.
Chris Newman – 111 games, 2006-2008 & 2013-2015
Ever-reliable defender, who always appeared cool in the heat of battle. Used his trusty left boot to full advantage for the team. Was the Tigers’ captain for four years, from 2009-2012.
John Nix – 95 games, 1949-1956
Quality centreman, who performed admirably throughout a lean time for the Tigers. Later coached Richmond’s reserves and was assistant coach to Tommy Hafey.
Daryl Cumming – 88 games, 1971-1976
Spent much of his career at Tigerland in a forward pocket as roving back-up to Kevin Bartlett. Had great pace and good goal sense. A member of Richmond’s 1974 premiership side.
Rory Hilton – 82 games, 1999-2005
Played some good football for the Tigers in a variety of roles after being traded from Brisbane, but also suffered a spate of injuries, which prevented him from taking his AFL career further.
Dan Minogue – 77 games, 1921-1925
Tough, talented ruckman/centre half-back, who was an inspirational captain-coach of Richmond’s back-to-back premiership teams of 1920-1921. Won the Club’s Best and Fairest in its inaugural 1920 league premiership year.
Ron Durham – 59 games, 1943-1944 & 1946-1948
Full-back, who had a dream debut season with the Tigers, playing in their 1943 premiership side and winning the Best and Fairest. Highly-skilled and a strong mark.
Michael Gale – 56 games, 1996-1998
Provided the Tigers with top value after being traded by Fitzroy. A tough, fearless half-back, who used the ball effectively, particularly by hand.
