In the wake of the sad passing of Shane Tuck earlier this week, Tony Greenberg reflects on the history of the guernsey number ‘Tucky’ wore with such distinction throughout his decade-long career at Richmond.
The No. 4 is renowned for being Richmond’s premiership number, and with very good reason.
Every one of the Tigers’ 12 premiership teams at AFL/VFL level has contained a player wearing the No. 4 guernsey. And they’ve been star performers, too – the likes of Maurice Sheahan, Royce Hart, Geoff Raines and Dustin Martin.
So, while that’s an accepted fact in Tigerland’s proud, rich history, I reckon it’s time we started acknowledging what the No. 21 Yellow and Black jumper epitomises . . . toughness.
The list below, starting with the player who holds the record for the most games in the No. 21 at Richmond, Shane Tuck, clearly highlights this . . .
Shane Tuck – 173 games, 74 goals, 2004-2013
The son of seven-time Hawthorn premiership hero Michael Tuck carved out an impressive AFL career in his own right with Richmond after spending several seasons on the Hawks’ list without playing a senior game. Was a tall, tough-as-teak, warrior-like, prolific ball-winning midfielder, who generated significant drive for the Tigers. Finished runner-up in the 2008 Jack Dyer Medal and was third in 2005 and 2007. Overall, had seven top-10 Best and Fairest in nine full seasons at Tigerland.
Neil Balme – 159 games, 229 goals, 1970-1979
Rugged, aggressive big man, who provided Richmond with excellent service as a strong-marking, goalkicking forward pocket, and later as the team’s No. 1 ruckman. Had plenty of skill to go with his toughness. A key member of the Tigers’ back-to-back premiership sides of 1973-1974. Was equal winner of the Club’s leading goalkicker award in 1972 with 55 goals and won it outright in 1973 with 34 goals. Finished runner-up in the 1977 Jack Dyer Medal.
Don Fraser – 124 games, 125 goals, 1945-1952
One of the roughest, toughest players to ever represent Richmond on the field of battle. Started his career with the Tigers as a key forward, but wayward kicking for goal resulted in him being shifted to centre half-back. He went on to become one of the competition’s best centre half-backs, utilising his strong marking, long kicking and aggression in the role. Also was a great protector of his smaller teammates. Did, however, miss a large chunk of games through suspension.
Paul Bulluss – 97 games, 20 goals, 1993-1998
Key backman, who joined Richmond from SANFL club Woodville-West Torrens and had an immediate impact, playing 19 games in his debut season of AFL football. Earned a reputation as a stout defender, with the capacity to nullify the competition’s best key forwards. Was a valuable contributor in the Tigers’ 1995 finals campaign. Injury and illness, however, interrupted his time at Tigerland.
Brian Taylor – 43 games, 156 goals, 1980-1984
Recruited by Richmond from the Western Australian town of Mandurah at just 16 years of age, he had a profound impact with the Tigers in less than 50 games. A powerfully-built full-forward, who thrived on using his strength and vigour to out-manouevre opponents in marking duels. Injuries, along with the excellent form of Richmond’s superstar spearhead Michael Roach, limited his senior appearances at Tigerland, but he still managed to win the Club’s leading goalkicker award in 1982 with 71 goals and again in 1984 with 61 goals. Booted five goals or more 15 times for Richmond, with his highest tally in a match being 10 against Fitzroy in 1982.
Jacob Townsend – 20 games, 28 goals, 2016-2019
Traded to Richmond by Greater Western Sydney in October 2015 for a fourth-round draft selection. Managed just four senior appearances in 2016 and spent nearly the entire 2017 home-and-away season at VFL level. Was recalled to the Tigers’ senior side when Josh Caddy was injured late in that ’17 season and seized his opportunity in sensational style. The hard-nosed forward kicked six goals first-up against Fremantle at in Round 22 and then five goals v St Kilda in Round 23. Proceeded to play a valuable role throughout Richmond’s 2017 finals campaign, with five goals all-up in the team’s three wins, including the Grand Final triumph over Adelaide. AFL great Dermott Brereton has described him as the toughest player in the competition.
Noah Balta – 4 games, 0 goals, 2020
The Tigers’ third pick in the 2017 national draft (No. 25 overall) showed plenty of promise during his AFL debut season last year, playing a variety of on-field roles. Renowned for his athleticism, but also has an abundance of courage and toughness. Was handed the No. 21 guernsey at the end of the 2019 season and certainly appears capable of following in the footsteps of the above-mentioned wearers of the number.
