In the second of a special 12-part series on richmondfc.com.au, where we set about building the perfect Tiger, the focus is on the best marking players at Tigerland over the past half-century. Choose from these five outstanding aerialists.
Royce Hart - 187 games for Richmond, 1967-77. Averaged 5.13 marks per match, with a career-high 13 (achieved twice)
Hart’s high-flying exploits thrilled the Yellow and Black faithful throughout the Club’s greatest era under Tommy Hafey’s coaching. His breathtaking grab in the frenetic final minutes of the epic 1967 Grand Final encounter, was a magic moment in Tigerland’s rich history. The champion centre half-forward could mark the ball seemingly 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, inspirational bravery.
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Michael Green - 146 games for Richmond, 1966-71 and 1973-75. Averaged 5.57 marks per match, with a career-high 18.
Green’s aerial dominance was a key factor in Richmond’s stirring charge to capture the 1969 premiership. The ruck star took 41 marks during the Tigers’ triple triumphs in September ’69 (17 in the first-semi final v Geelong, 14 in the preliminary final v Collingwood and 10 in the Grand Final v Carlton). Green maintained that marking prowess throughout his league playing days. His ability to consistently outmark opponents, all over the ground, provided Richmond with a major boost.
Michael Roach - 200 games for Richmond, 1977-89. Averaged 5.23 marks per match, with a career-high 16.
Roach earned an awesome reputation as a high-flyer. The mark he took against Hawthorn at the MCG in 1979 was, almost literally, out of this world. He actually flew so high over a nest of Hawk players, he ended up making it a chest mark! In Richmond’s 2008 league centenary year, that amazing grab was adjudged the Tigers’ Mark of the Century. The superstar spearhead took numerous spectacular marks throughout his illustrious career at Tigerland.
Matthew Richardson - 282 games for Richmond, 1993-09. Averaged 8.05 marks per match, with a career-high 21 (achieved twice).
Richardson was a marking machine. The fact he never stopped running, and presenting, as a key target in Richmond’s forward line, ensured he gave himself the best possible chance of winning the ball in the air. And, win it he did – with imposing regularity! Richardson was unstoppable at aerial level, due to his impeccable timing, superb, natural leap and strong hands. He averaged 8.05 marks per match over his wonderful league career, which underlines his aerial supremacy.
Jack Riewoldt - 157 games for Richmond, 2007-14. Averages 5.26 marks per match, with a career-high 14.
He’s called ‘Jumpin’ Jack for a very good reason . . . he can take a ‘specky’ with the best of them. Riewoldt has followed in the famous footsteps of fellow Tasmanian Tiger greats Royce, Roach and Richardson, through his high-flying feats. His marking ability, inside-50, is as good as any current player in the competition – on the lead, one-out with his opponent, or soaring above a pack.
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