It is 80 years today since one of Richmond’s greatest on-field leaders, Percy Bentley, celebrated his 250-game milestone with a vintage, best-on-ground performance against St Kilda at Punt Road.
In Round 6 of the 1940 season on Saturday, June 1, Bentley, at 33 years, 171 days of age, kicked five goals to lift the Tigers to a 36-point win – 17.10 (112) to 11.10 (76) – and top spot on the league ladder.
The powerful, inspirational ruckman was in the last of his 16 seasons with Richmond. He had been the Club’s captain since 1932 and took over as captain-coach in 1934.
To this day, he remains the Tigers’ longest-serving skipper with 168 games, although Trent Cotchin is fast closing (155 games).
Bentley played 263 games all-up and kicked 275 goals. He was captain of Richmond’s 1932 premiership team and captain-coach of the 1934 flag-winning side. His last game for the Tigers was in the 1940 Grand Final loss to Melbourne.
Here is ‘The Age’ newspaper’s report of Bentley’s memorable 250-game milestone . . .
“Beaten in the air and at the goal front, St Kilda lacked experience against Richmond’s alert and solid combination, the home men giving a remarkable display to celebrate P. Bentley’s 250th League game.
Richmond, taking advantage of the aerial strength of such men as Scott, Crane, Bentley and Titus, and the perfect ground clearing of Smeaton, O’Neill, Harris, Martin and others, had complete command in the first term. Dyer, positioned permanently at centre half-back, having to touch the ball, but once in the first twenty-five minutes, so inactive were the visiting attackers.
Richmond’s lead was extended in the second term, Bentley having kicked 3.1 by half-time. Kelly and Rayment were going great guns on the wings for St Kilda, and Walker was playing well and centre half-back, but the Richmond defence was almost impenetrable. Steele (leg) was replaced by Reilly just before the interval.
St Kilda players were severely lectured by Harold Matthews the chairman of selectors during half-time when it was decided to shift Fitzsimmons from the centre and place young Wilkie there. Richmond, however, had the accuracy in goal-shooting in the third term, Bentley being well in the picture forward, and at one stage Richmond led 12.6 to 4.8. Walker held other drives out, relieving on 12 occasions, and Kelly, deciding to roam forward, was instrumental in securing two goals.
St Kilda tried desperately in the last quarter to swing the game, but Titus and Bentley were unbeatable forward, and Richmond always held command.
Richmond proved too clever and systematic for the smaller St Kilda side. Bentley and Titus gave great games, the captain being carried from the field at the finish of his 250th match. Other splendid players were O’Neill, Smeaton, Scott, Martin and Smith.
St Kilda disappointed supporters again with a weak attack. Kelly, Weiss, Rayment, and Hoppen were the best of a disorganised side.”
And here is what the ‘The Herald’ newspaper had to say about Bentley’s dominant display against St Kilda . . .
“Perc Bentley, Richmond’s veteran captain-coach-follower rolled back time at the Punt Road ground on Saturday.
He celebrated his 250th game with the Tigers by displaying youthful verve and dash, such as must have marked his debut in senior football with them 15 years before.
Star of Saturday’s big match, he excelled in strenuous ruck battles – a severe test of ability and fitness – and bagged five goals, most in the game. And all that at the age of 33.
Probably what pleased him most of all, however, was that he led his side to the victory which took them to the top of the League premiership list.”
Match details
Richmond 4.1 8.4 12.6 17.10 (112)
St Kilda 0.3 3.3 6.8 11.10 (76)
Goals – Richmond: Bentley 5, Titus 4, Crane 3, Bawden, Harris, Hull, Scott, Steele.
Goals – St Kilda: Kelly 3, Mohr 2, Curyer, Fountain, Killigrew, Vontom, Walker, Weiss.
