Richmond CEO Brendon Gale pays a special 100th birthday tribute to “Captain Blood”, Jack Dyer.

Jack Dyer is the embodiment of the spirit of Richmond.

I think it’s fair to say that no player in the entire history of league football has symbolised his club more than the man known as “Captain Blood”.   

As a player, Jack was tough, fiercely competitive and extremely talented.

Importantly, he was inextricably linked to his community. 

He led and lifted tough people, from a tough suburb, during the toughest of times.

During my playing career at Richmond, I had the pleasure of coming into contact with Jack on three occasions.

The first time was during my debut season with the Tigers back in 1990, when then coach Kevin Bartlett called on Jack to give a motivational talk to the players in the lead-up to a match against the old enemy Collingwood at Victoria Park.

KB wanted us to hear from Captain Blood all about the intense, traditional rivalry Richmond had with the Magpies, so that we’d be ready to run through a brick wall when we faced them at their fortress.

Jack proceeded to reel off a succession of Collingwood jokes.  For around 20 minutes, he spoke about why he hated them so much he couldn’t watch black and white TV or read a newspaper, etc.

I’m not sure if that’s what KB had in mind when he enlisted Jack’s help – and we did end up losing the game by 10 goals – but it was a very funny introduction to this larger-than-life character.

The next time I met Jack was later that year, at the Club’s special “Save Our Skins” rally at the MCG.

With the Club facing potential extinction, due to its dire (pardon the pun) financial state, Jack, who was in his late 70s at the time, strode purposefully up to the stage and delivered a powerful speech to the Yellow and Black faithful on what Richmond meant to him, and why it simply had to survive.

A few weeks later, the Club announced it had raised the required funds to continue in the competition, and I have no doubt Jack’s stirring words played a pivotal role in garnering sufficient support within the Richmond ranks to save the Tigers.

The last time I saw Jack during my playing career was in 1997, when he came down to Punt Road for the opening of the refurbished and renamed Jack Dyer Stand.

By then, Captain Blood was well into his 80s, but he still had a commanding presence.  He held court, regaling us players with wonderful tales from the old days.

We were spellbound listening to this living legend’s homespun humor, and were delighted to later get our photo taken with him.

As I sit here now reflecting on Jack, on what’s his 100th birthday, I’m struck by this comparison to some of today’s Tigers . . .

It truly is staggering to think that Jack, at 185cm tall, was the same height as current members of the playing group such as Trent Cotchin, Reece Conca, Steven Morris, Ricky Petterd and Brad Helbig, and smaller than the likes of Brett Deledio, Dustin Martin and Nick Vlastuin.

Just imagine that for a moment . . . Captain Blood playing in the ruck for Richmond, striking fear into the hearts and minds of the opposition, and no bigger than today’s midfielders or small defenders!

Anyway, on behalf of the Club, I’d just like to officially acknowledge what is a momentous occasion in Tigerland’s history – the 100th birthday of our inaugural ‘Immortal’, Jack Dyer, whose enormous legacy will live on at Richmond forever. 

Jack Dyer loved Richmond, and Richmond will always love Jack Dyer.