We continue our special holiday season series at richmondfc.com.au asking you to select the best players to have filled each of the traditional on-field positions for the Tigers throughout the past half-century, from the candidates we have nominated. Today we take a look at the tall forward pockets...
John Ronaldson
Played 59 games and kicked 33 goals in a career at Richmond from 1965-70, which may seem a fairly modest output, but his role as the team’s tall forward pocket was huge. Whenever the Tigers’ drought-breaking 1967 premiership crops up in discussion, his name is front and square. Recalled to the line-up for the ‘67 Grand Final against Geelong, as a replacement for suspended veteran ruck star Neville Crowe, he kicked an equal team-high three goals, including two of the most inspirational, set-shot six-pointers imaginable in the frenetic final quarter. His second goal of the last quarter put the Tigers back in front, and they were able to go on to take the flag. Two years later, he again was a valuable contributor for Richmond in its 1969 Grand Final triumph over Carlton.
Neil Balme
Robust, 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 an abundance of skill to go with his physical attributes. Created major problems for opposition defenders with that potent mix of power, toughness and sheer talent. Although being so proficient overhead, he also had impressive agility, which enabled him to score many goals from clever snap shots. Was a key member of the Tigers’ back-to-back premiership sides of 1973-74. Equal winner of the Club’s leading goalkicker award in 1972 with his league career-high 55 goals, and won it outright in the ’73 premiership year with 34 goals. Scored 229 goals all-up in 159 games for Richmond and had a best return in a match of six, which he achieved three times.
Brad Ottens
The No. 2 pick overall in the 1997 National Draft recovered from a total knee reconstruction during his debut season at Richmond to blossom and gain All-Australian selection in 2001. Was mostly used by the Tigers as a forward pocket, rather than as an out-and-out ruckman, which he subsequently became after being traded to Geelong. Was very mobile for his size, a fine mark, and reliable shot for goal. Scored 152 goals in 129 game for Richmond, with a best return of 46 in his 2001 All-Australian year. His highest goal tally in a match with the Tigers was six against Geelong in Round 9, 2001 at Simonds Stadium.
Greg Stafford
Provided Richmond with good value throughout a five-season stint at the Club after being traded by Sydney. Bolstered the Tigers’ line-up with his physical presence, strong marking, accurate kicking for goal, football nous and experience. Spent more time in a forward pocket with Richmond, rather than in the ruck, where he’d excelled with the Swans. Wasn’t renowned for kicking goals during his time at Sydney, but that changed upon arrival at Punt Road. Developed into a reliable deep target and dead-eye shot for goal. 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 – a highly impressive goalscoring efficiency of 72 percent.
Ty Vickery
Taken by Richmond with its first pick (No. 8 overall) in the 2008 National Draft, he went on to kick 158 goals in a 119-game career at Tigerland, before joining Hawthorn at the end of the 2016 season as a restricted free agent. Played a valuable role in the Tigers’ line-up due to his marking ability, accurate kicking for goal, good mobility for a big man, and capacity to provide some ruck back-up. Scored 20 goals or more in a season five times, with a best return of 36 in 2011. His highest goal tally in a match was six against Collingwood in Round 21, 2015.
