Richmond is mourning the passing of its oldest former player life member, Fred Burge, at 95 years of age.

He was born on September 6, 1923, and played junior football at Campbells Creek (on the southern outskirts of Victorian country town Castlemaine), which is the same Victorian country club where current-day Tiger superstar Dustin Martin got his start in the game.

Burge made his senior debut with Richmond in 1942 and went on to play 118 games and kick 105 goals in a fine career at the Club.

A quick, skilful, consistent performer as a rover and back pocket, Burge was a member of the Tigers’ losing Grand Final teams in 1942 and 1944.

He was voted Richmond’s best player in the 1944 semi-final loss to Fitzroy.

The following season, Burge won the Club’s leading goalkicker award with 55 goals, and he also finished third in the Best and Fairest that year.

In 1951, Burge was awarded life membership at Tigerland.