In a special holiday season series, richmondfc.com.au is asking 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, our focus is on No. 20.
No. 20
Jim Jess – 223 games, 1976-1988
Attained cult status at Tigerland due to his Viking-like looks and tough, aggressive, courageous playing style. Was an excellent mark, athletic, and a magnificent, long kick, particularly with the old-fashioned torpedo punt. Played most of his football for Richmond at centre half-back, but was a valuable contributor at centre half-forward in the Tigers’ 1980 Grand Final demolition of Collingwood. Won the Club’s Most Determined Player award in 1979, was third in the 1980 Best and Fairest, and also gained selection in the All-Australian team that year.
Dick Harris – 196 games, 1934-1944
Talented, fiery forward pocket/rover, renowned for his goalkicking prowess. Is fifth on Richmond’s all-time goalkicking list with 548 goals. Was a fine exponent of both the torpedo punt and the drop kick. Won the competition’s leading goalkicker award in 1943, with 63 goals, including a superb haul of seven in the Tigers’ thrilling Grand Final triumph over Essendon. Also was a member of Richmond’s premiership side in 1934, which was his debut season of league football. Won the Club’s leading goalkicker award on three occasions and represented Victoria nine times.
Ray Hall – 98 games, 2001-2006
Mobile big man, who was used in a variety of positions during his playing career at Richmond, including a run-with role on the opposition’s key ruckman. Was a valuable contributor in the Tigers’ 2001 finals campaign.
Doug Hayes – 82 games, 1922-1928
Skilful, speedy small man, who played as a rover, wingman and back pocket with Richmond. Didn’t make his senior league debut until he was 25, but went on to have quite an impact within the Tigers’ line-up. Had excellent anticipation and clever goal sense. Was a member of Richmond’s 1927 Grand Final side and represented Victoria on four occasions.
Maurie Hunter – 81 games, 1929-1933
A star rover. Was quick, elusive, an excellent kick, and dangerous around goals. A pivotal member of Richmond’s 1932 premiership side and also played in the Tigers’ losing Grand Final teams of 1929 and 1931. Captained the Club in the ’31 season and won the Best and Fairest award in 1933.
Ivan Maric – 77 games, 2012-2015
Strongly-built ruckman, who has been a valuable contributor at Tigerland since arriving from the Adelaide Crows, where he spent six seasons. Has become a cult hero to the Tiger Army due to his warrior-like approach to the game, on-field aggression, and that famous, flowing mullet. Is totally professional in the way he goes about his football business, and has a burning desire to help the Club succeed. Finished third in the 2012 Jack Dyer Medal.
Ben Harrison – 74 games, 1996-2000
Joined Richmond at the end of the 1995 season following a brief stint with Carlton. Had a slow start at Tigerland, managing just eight senior appearances in 1996, but went on to become a valuable contributor for the Club. Versatile performer, who successfully filled a number of on-field roles during his playing career with the Tigers – across the backline, up forward, and through the midfield. A consistent ball-winner, who was efficient with his delivery, either by hand or with his left foot.
Mitch Morton – 59 games, 2008-2011
Talented half-forward, who was a prominent member of the Richmond line-up for the first two years of his stint at the Club after being traded from West Coast. Kicked 35 goals in his debut season at Tigerland in 2008 and won the Club’s leading goalkicker award the next year with 41 goals. His form tapered off after that and he subsequently joined Sydney, playing in the Swans’ 2012 premiership side.
