The countdown of the top 20 Tiger trade pick-ups of the past 50 years continues at richmondfc.com.au. Today, we feature No. 17, ruckman Greg Stafford.
At the end of the 2001 season, Greg Stafford had become stale with football life at the Sydney Swans after a 130-game career in nine years there, including the 1996 Grand Final loss to North Melbourne.
Richmond persuaded the ruck giant to make a fresh start at Punt Road, as part of a trade for midfielder/forward Nick Daffy.
Stafford, however, agreed to only a one-year contract initially, as he wanted to see that he still had an appetite for the game at the highest level.
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As it turned out, a revitalised Greg Stafford went on to play 74 games and provide the Tigers with solid value over the ensuing five seasons.
At 204cm and 106kg, Stafford bolstered the Richmond line-up with his physical presence. Throw in strong marking, accurate kicking for goal, toughness, aggression, experience, leadership qualities, an admirable work ethic, along with a clever football brain, and you had a more than handy acquisition.
Stafford’s Tiger teammates seemed to walk that little bit taller when he imposed himself on the game-day action.
Given his size and all-round football attributes, he had the confidence to match it with any opponent in the competition, without ever feeling intimidated.
Stafford wasn’t renowned for kicking goals during his time with the Swans, but that changed upon arrival at Tigerland.
Given more time up forward with the Tigers, Stafford developed into a reliable deep target, and dead-eye shot for goal.
He finished with a career-best 26 goals (26.10) in 2002 and followed up with 20 goals (20.5) the following season.
All-up, he kicked 83.32 in his five seasons at Richmond - an impressive 72% scoring efficiency.
That capacity to maximise his opportunities, pretty much encapsulated Stafford’s league career with the Tigers . . .
Greg Stafford profile
Born: 27/8/1974
Height: 204cm
Playing weight: 106kg
Richmond trade history: Traded to the Tigers by Sydney in exchange for Nick Daffy
Guernsey number at Richmond: No. 10
Debut at Richmond: Round 1, 2002 v Collingwood, MCG
Games at Richmond (2002-2006): 74
Goals at Richmond: 83
Top 20 Tiger trade pick-ups: No. 17
Greg Stafford had become stale with football life at the Sydney Swans after a 130-game career in nine years there, including the 1996 Grand Final loss.
