Matt White is Richmond’s first Homecoming Hero of the 2024 season.

The Tigers will pay tribute to White in the lead-up to Sunday’s Round 2 clash with Port Adelaide at the MCG.

White will walk to the Punt Road End to receive the plaudits of the Tiger Army.

He will then kick a ceremonial goal, while highlights of his playing career will be shown on the MCG’s screens.

White played junior football for Sunbury, where he is currently senior coach, and was recruited by Richmond from the Calder Cannons TAC Cup team, with the fifth pick in the 2006 AFL Pre-Season Draft.

The pacey wing/half-back made his senior debut for Richmond in round 10, 2006 against Fremantle at Subiaco Oval, collecting eight disposals and booting one goal.

White initially showed promise in the backline in his debut year playing 11 games, but was unable to back up in 2007 playing just seven games.

He was then moved to the wing, where he became a regular player under coach Terry Wallace. He played a career-high 20 games in 2008, averaging 13 disposals and kicking 11 goals for the season, following it up with 16 games in 2009, averaging 15 disposals and kicking seven goals.

White played a more defensive role under coach Damien Hardwick, and eventually his pace and aerobic capacity allowed him to be a burst player from the bench.

In 2013, White was the team’s starting substitute seven times between Round 6 and 15, before earning a regular position in the starting 22 as the Tigers charged towards their first finals appearance in 12 years.

Unfortunately, a hamstring injury in Round 23 saw him miss the Elimination Final loss to Carlton.

His efforts in the 2013 season were acknowledged at that year's Jack Dyer Medal night, when he received the Club’s most improved player award.

Later that week, he exercised his right as an unrestricted free agent to join Port Adelaide, where he played 48 games between 2014 and 2017.

White played a total of 105 games and kicked 54 goals in his eight-year career with Richmond.

Richmond is proud to have welcomed back Motorola as partner of our Homecoming Heroes. Motorola is the official smartphone partner of the Richmond Football Club.

Matt White profile

Born: April 15, 1987

Height: 180cm

Playing weight: 80kg

Recruited to Richmond from: Sunbury (BFNL)/Calder Cannons (TAC Cup)

Guernsey number at Richmond: No. 35

Debut at Richmond: Round 10, 2006 v Fremantle, Subiaco Oval

Games at Richmond (2006-2013): 105

Goals at Richmond: 54

Richmond's Homecoming Heroes since 2014...