In the first of a special richmondfc.com.au series, where we set about building the perfect Tiger, the focus is on the best kicks at Tigerland over the past half-century.  Take your pick of these five superb ‘deliverers’ of the ball by foot . . .

Ian Stewart – 78 games for Richmond, 1971-75

Of all the attributes Stewart possessed on the field of battle, none was better than his ability to create opportunities for teammates with piercing pinpoint passes off his preferred left foot, as well as the non-preferred right.  Stewart is widely regarded as one of the best kicks in league football history.

Geoff Raines – 134 games for Richmond, 1976-82

The sight of Raines bursting out of the middle, and propelling a drop punt deep into Richmond’s forward line, with missile-like accuracy, consistently gladdened the hearts of the Tiger faithful during the late 1970s-early 1980s.  His superb kicking skills ensured a constant supply of quality leather to Roach, Cloke, Jess and co. throughout that time.

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Barry Rowlings – 152 games for Richmond, 1979-86

The key feature of Rowlings’ game was his devastating left foot.  Time and again, he would use his pace to break the lines, before delivering a spearing pass to a Tiger forward, which would land lace out.  Rowlings’ kicking expertise made him such an integral part of Richmond’s last premiership side in 1980. 

Maurice Rioli – 118 games for Richmond, 1982-87

Rioli was another brilliant Tiger, who never wasted a possession by foot.  He was a beautiful left-foot kick, who hit his Yellow and Black targets with classy regularity.  Opponents never had any chance of chopping off a perfectly-weighted Rioli pass to a teammate. 

Leon Cameron – 84 games for Richmond, 2000-03

Cameron was a natural right-footer, but was so proficient on his left foot, it was hard to tell which was his preferred side.  Playing a quarterback-type role in the Richmond line-up during the early 2000s, he generated plenty of drive for the Tigers out of defence through his silky kicking skills.