The Richmond Football Club is saddened to learn of the passings of former Head Trainer Jim Ducrow on April 18th, and 1976 player Don Mattson on April 2nd.

Born in Richmond, Ducrow joined Tigerland as a trainer in 1978 and served under seven coaches until his elevation to Head Trainer in 1993, after the retirement of Keith Cleaver.

From 1993 until 2001, he was the Head Trainer for Allan Jeans, John Northey, Robert Walls, Jeff Gieschen and Danny Frawley.

Fittingly, he received a Life Membership in 1997 for 20 years of outstanding service to the Club.

Black arm bands were worn by the Tigers' players during the Round 7 clash vs Gold Coast. 

Mattson, the half-back and ruck rover, came to Tigerland in 1976 via a few clubs - Chiltern in the Ovens & King Football League (1971-72), then Albury (1973-74), and Yarraville (1975).

Yarraville asked North Melbourne for $1150 to transfer Mattson, but they refused to pay. Mattson, however, crossed to the Kangaroos without a clearance, thereby automatically disqualifying himself from the VFA for five years.

After two Reserve games he was swapped to Richmond for Billy Nettlefold. 

Mattson debuted as a 20-year-old against Collingwood in Round 4, 1976, and would play seven games that season. 

He was also voted one of the Club’s best players in Richmond's National Football League match against Glenelg at Football Park that year.

In 1978, he crossed to Essendon, where his only senior game was a draw against Richmond.