The decision made by lively Richmond small forward duo and close mates Dan Butler and Jason Castagna to change their guernsey numbers for season 2018, has prompted some football critics to question why they would want to do so after playing in the Tigers’ 2017 premiership team wearing No. 40 and No. 46 respectively.

Butler has taken over the No. 7 guernsey at Tigerland and Castagna will wear the No. 11.

While from the outside looking in it may seem a tad surprising to vacate your premiership number, an assessment of No. 7 and No. 11 throughout Richmond’s history shows just how prominent they have been.

Here’s a summary of the best Tiger players over the years to wear the No. 7 and No. 11 guernseys (their games’ totals are for those played in that specific number).

No. 7

Allan Cooke – 116 games, 1949-1958

Strongly-built ruckman, who worked his way up through the ranks at Richmond and became a consistent performer at senior level during what was a lean decade for the Club.  Highly regarded for his team-first attitude.

Mick Malthouse – 99 games, 1978-1983

Tough, uncompromising back pocket, with a fierce desire to succeed.  Established himself as a permanent member of the Tigers’ defence after moving from St Kilda.  A strong mark, good kick and popular clubman.  Played an important role in Richmond’s 1980 premiership year.

Harry Weidner – 94 games, 1927-1932

Quick, elusive left-foot half-forward with good goal sense.  Was a member of the Tigers’ losing Grand Final teams in 1927, 1928 and 1929 and then, unfortunately, missed the 1930 premiership because of a leg injury.

Nathan Brown – 82 games, 2004-2009

Silky-skilled medium-sized forward, who was lured by Richmond from the Western Bulldogs in a blaze of publicity.  Was in outstanding form throughout the first nine rounds of the 2005 season, with more than 30 goals to his credit, until suffering a broken leg in a horrific incident during the Round 10 clash with Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.  Missed the remainder of the season and was never the same player again, although he did manage to show glimpses of his immense talent at times. 

Fred Cook – 81 games, 1944-1949

Half-back, who was a handy player throughout his time at Richmond.  Was a member of the Tigers’ 1944 Grand Final side. 

Ray Martin – 81 games, 1936-1940

Champion rover, who combined a rugged, fearless approach with excellent all-round skills.  Formed part of a famous, powerful Richmond ruck combination with Percy Bentley and Jack Dyer.  Was a member of the Tigers’ 1932 and 1934 premiership teams, as well as the 1933 and 1940 Grand Final sides.  Won the Club’s Best and Fairest in 1934 and 1935.

Michael Mitchell – 81 games, 1987-1991

A wingman/half-forward, who was one of the quickest players in Richmond’s history.  Won the Sandover Medal while playing for WAFL club Claremont before joining the Tigers.  Thrilled Richmond fans with his ability to kick inspirational running goals, as well as his aerial exploits.  Had a huge leap on him for a player so small in stature.  Captured both the competition’s Goal of the Year and Mark of the Year in 1990. 

Eric Moore – 75 games, 1966-1971

Recruited to Richmond from Victorian country club Coleraine, where he had started his senior career at just 15 years of age.  Was in and out of the Tigers’ senior side until 1969, when he hit his straps playing at full-forward.  Kicked six goals in the ’69 first-semi demolition of Geelong, four in the preliminary final win against Collingwood, and two in the Grand Final triumph over Carlton.  A strong, courageous player with good skills.

Wayne Walsh – 66 games, 1972-1975

Started his league career with Richmond, before being traded to South Melbourne due to lack of opportunity.  Became a star defender with the Swans until an argument with legendary coach Norm Smith resulted on him walking out and rejoining the Tigers.  Went on to play as a wingman in the 1972 Grand Final and 1973-1974 premierships with Richmond.  A dashing player, who was strong overhead, a good kick, tough, and thrived in big-occasion games. 

Ernie Taylor – 58 games, 1920-1926

Back pocket/half-back renowned as a strong, reliable player.  Was a member of the Tigers’ 1920 and 1921 premiership sides, but was forced into a premature retirement from league football due to injury.

No. 11

Joel Bowden – 265 games, 1996-2009

The son of 1969 Richmond premiership player Mike Bowden carved out a fine, 14-season career at Tigerland, overcoming initial severe injury problems with his shoulder.  Was an extremely talented player, who excelled in a variety of on-field roles for the Tigers.  Renowned for his superb left-foot kicking skills and clever reading of the play.  Back-to-back winner of the Jack Dyer Medal in 2004-2005 and an All-Australian representative in 2005-2006.

Bert Foster – 133 games, 1928-1936

Powerfully-built ruckman, who put his strength to good use in one-on-one contests with opponents.  His kicking and marking skills were first-rate, and he was quite capable at ground level.  Was a member of Richmond’s 1934 premiership side, as well as the 1928, 1931 and 1933 Grand Final line-ups.

Tom Simpson – 126 games, 1956-1963

A fast, fearless and scrupulously fair player, who started off with the Tigers as a wingman, but late in his league career had success in a back pocket.  Finished runner-up in the Club’s Best and Fairest award in 1959 and third in 1958.  Also was a member of Richmond’s only night premiership side in 1962.

Bruce Monteath – 118 games, 1975-1980

Talented half-forward/ruck-rover, who walked straight into a powerful Tigers’ team that had just won back-to-back premierships in 1973-1974, after being recruited from WAFL club South Fremantle, where he had made his senior debut at just 16 years of age.  Won Richmond’s leading goalkicker award in 1978, with 55 goals, and then went on to captain the Club in its 1980 premiership year.  Struggled with injuries during the latter stages of that season and spent most of the Grand Final against Collingwood on the interchange bench.  

Charlie Priestley – 109 games, 1938-1947

Versatile player, who possessed enormous courage.  Constantly put his body on the line for the Tigers and was greatly respected by teammates.  Was a member of the Club’s 1944 Grand Final side and a valuable contributor to the Yellow and Black cause right throughout his league career. 

Syd Reeves – 93 games, 1912-1919

Courageous centreman, who was single-minded in his attempts to win the ball.  Also spent some time in the back pocket during his career at Richmond.  Won the Tigers’ Best and Fairest in 1914 and was a member of the 1919 Grand Final side.

Mel Morris – 89 games, 1921-1926

Skilful, speedy centreman/half-forward, who was a member of Richmond’s 1921 premiership side in his debut season of league football.  Won the Club’s Best and Fairest in 1922 and the Tigers’ leading goalkicker award in 1924 and 1925.

Michael Bowden – 59 games, 1967-1971

A ruck-rover, who was noted for his ball-winning skills and intelligent use of handball.  Was a valuable member of Richmond’s 1969 premiership side due to his capacity to bring teammates into the game through creative play.  Father of Joel Bowden.