In a series focusing on Richmond’s trade/draft history, we look at valuable utility player, Ben Harrison's move from Carlton.
Ben Harrison joined Richmond at the end of the 1995 season from Carlton, where he had played two senior games in a brief stint.
Harrison, a close mate of Richmond superstar Matthew Richardson, since their junior days in Devonport, Tasmania, found his way to Punt Road via a trade deal involving midfielder, Justin Murphy, who had spent a couple of seasons with the Tigers.
After a slow start at Tigerland, with Harrison managing just eight senior appearances in 1996, he went on to become a valuable contributor for the Club.
One of Harrison’s main assets as a player was his versatility. At 191cm and 96kg, he successfully filled a number of on-field roles during his career with Richmond - across the backline, up forward, and through the midfield.
His best season for the Tigers came in 1998, where he played all 22 games and polled five Brownlow Medal votes.
He averaged a career-high 18.8 disposals and 5.2 marks per game during that season, and was one of Richmond’s most consistent performers.
Harrison racked up a career-high 31 disposals against Brisbane in Round 21 of the ’98 season, and scored a career-high four goals on three occasions during his time with the Tigers.
He was a natural ball-winner and efficient with his delivery, either by hand or with his left foot.
After a 74-game career at Richmond, from 1996-2000, Harrison was traded to the Western Bulldogs and he subsequently produced some good football there over five seasons.
Ben Harrison profile
Born: 17/1/1975
Height: 191cm
Playing weight: 96kg
Richmond trade history: Traded to the Tigers in exchange for Justin Murphy in late 1995
Guernsey number at Richmond: No. 20
Debut at Richmond: Round 4, 1996 v Sydney at Waverley Park
Games at Richmond (1996-2000): 74
Goals at Richmond: 39
