We continue our gradual release of the Tigers’ Team of the 21^st Century by today revealing the player selected at centre half-forward in the line-up – Matthew Richardson.

Matthew Richardson

On-field position: Key forward

Games in the 2000s (2000-09): 163

Goals: 426

Playing honours/achievements: Jack Dyer Medal winner in 2007, Michael Roach Medal winner in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, All-Australian representative in 2008, 3^rd in the 2008 Brownlow Medal

Top 10 finishes in Jack Dyer Medal: Eight – 7^th in 2001, 2^nd in 2002, 6^th in 2003, 4^th in 2004, 2^nd in 2005, 7^th in 2006, 1^st in 2007, 3^rd in 2008

HIGHLIGHTS Watch the best of Team of the 21st Century centre half-forward, Matthew Richardson

AFL career averages

Kicks: 11.6

Handballs: 3.3

Disposals: 14.9

Marks: 8.7

Contested marks: 2.7

Marks inside-50: 3.4

Goals: 2.6

Inside-50s: 3.1

Contested possessions: 7.0

Uncontested possessions: 8.4

One-percenters: 1.3

Comment: Selected in Richmond’s official Team of the 20^th Century, and impossible to leave him out of this unofficial Tigers’ best line-up of the 21^st Century to date. Idolised by the Tiger Army, he constantly thrilled them with his amazing athleticism, courage, outstanding marking prowess and goalkicking exploits. An excitement machine, who could quickly turn the tide of a match through his sheer, individual brilliance. Also showed how versatile he was late in his career, when shifted to a wing and nearly winning the Brownlow Medal. Right up there as one of the greatest Tigers of them all.

Team of the 21st Century so far:

B: Vlastuin, Gaspar, Grimes
HB: Newman, Rance, Houli
C: Bowden, Prestia, Campbell
HF: Deledio, Richardson