We continue our special holiday season series at richmondfc.com.au, asking Tiger fans to select the best player to have worn each of the most significant guernsey numbers in the Club’s history. To assist in your quest, we have profiled those players who have racked up a minimum of 50 games in the number. The game totals and years listed relate to those played while wearing the specific number, not total Richmond career numbers. Today, we turn our attention to No. 13.
No. 13
Joe Murdoch – 180 games, 1927-1936
Robust, ruthless defender, who thrived on the contest and used his strength extremely well in one-on-one duels with opponents. Was a superb high mark and a long kick. Also excelled when the ball was at ground level. Played on the half-back flank in Richmond’s losing 1928 Grand Final team, was centre half-back in the following year’s premiership-decider, and full-back in the 1931 Grand Final. Finally, in 1932, he played in a premiership side with the Tigers, at full-back. Two years later, when they again won the flag, he filled the unfamiliar role of a half-forward flanker.
Phil Egan – 125 games, 1982-1990
Strongly-built, versatile player, with a good skills set. Although only medium-sized, he regularly showed he was capable of taking a big grab. Kicked well with either foot, and was successfully used in several different on-field positions throughout his nine-season career with Richmond, including full-forward, where he kicked seven goals in consecutive weeks during the 1988 season.
Bernie Waldron – 83 games, 1940-1945
Highly-skilled utility player, who was at his best in the heat of the on-field battle. Won Richmond’s Best First Year Player award in 1940 and subsequently played a key role as a creative centreman in the Tigers’ 1943 premiership triumph. Also was a member of the Club’s 1940, 1942 and 1944 Grand Final sides.
Robert Powell – 56 games, 1996-2000
Spent a year on Collingwood list, playing in the reserves, before being traded to Richmond. Showed some promising signs at senior level with the Tigers during the latter stages of the 1996 season and, the following year, earned an AFL Rising Star nomination. Was a lively, left-foot, medium-sized forward with good goal sense.
