In the wake of exciting young gun, Sam Lalor, being handed the No. 4 Richmond guernsey to wear from season 2026 onwards, here is a snapshot of the players who have worn the number with distinction throughout their time with the Tigers.

It truly is a magic number at the Club, being the only one that has featured in each of Richmond’s 13 League football premierships.

Note that the games’ totals for each player refer to those played only in the No. 4 guernsey.

Dustin Martin – 281 games, 2011-2023
One of Richmond’s greatest and most decorated players – three premierships, three Norm Smith Medals, a Brownlow Medal, two Jack Dyer Medals and a three-time All-Australian representative. Consummate big-occasion performer and match-winner. As a midfielder, he was a raging bull, utilising his trademark 'Don’t Argue' to fend off opponents and then distribute the ball to a teammate with pinpoint precision. When stationed forward, he struck fear into the minds of opponents. Was the best offensive one-on-one player in the competition for many years. One-out inside 50, he was a weapon of mass destruction for the Tigers.

Matthew Rogers – 197 games, 1994-2004
A quiet achiever over his 11-season career at Richmond. Went about his business with minimum fuss, but maximum efficiency. Was used effectively in a variety of positions, including wing, half-back, half-forward and full-forward. Won the Club’s leading goalkicker award in 2000, when superstar spearhead Matthew Richardson was sidelined for most of the season due to injury. 

Royce Hart – 187 games, 1967-1977
An all-time Richmond great. Wonderfully gifted centre half-forward, who was dominant in the air, as well as at ground level, where he performed with all the nimbleness of a rover. Always stepped up when the Tigers needed him most. Captained Richmond in its back-to-back premiership triumphs of 1973-1974, played in four flag sides all-up with the Tigers, won two Jack Dyer Medals and took out the Club’s leading goalkicker award twice, including in his debut season. Made the All-Australian team in 1969, was named centre half-forward in Richmond’s Team of the Century and is a Tiger 'Immortal'.

Maurie Sheahan – 121 games, 1929-1936
Strongly-built, dashing full-back. Was a good mark and a long kick. An important member of the Tigers’ 1932 and 1934 premierships. Restricted champion South Melbourne full-forward Bob Pratt to just two goals in the ’34 Grand Final (Pratt kicked a competition record 150 goals that season).

Geoff Raines – 109 games, 1978-1982
Classy centreman, who generated tremendous drive for the Tiger teams he played in. Was superbly balanced, quick, a magnificent long kick and a spectacular mark. A triple Jack Dyer Medallist and a pivotal player in Richmond’s all-conquering 1980 premiership season. Also made the All-Australian team that year.

Craig Lambert – 102 games, 1989-1993
Clever, creative ruck-rover. Was a particularly fine exponent of handball. Consistently racked up big numbers possession-wise. Won the Jack Dyer Medal in 1991 but departed Punt Road two years later to join Brisbane.

Hughie James – 74 games, 1919-1923
A champion ruckman throughout Richmond’s early years in the League football competition. Powerfully-built, fearless, highly-skilled, and a player with an excellent team-first attitude. A member of the Tigers’ 1920-1921 premiership sides and a dual Club Best and Fairest winner.

Dave Cuzens – 69 games, 1957-1961
Originally from Perth, he became an important member of Richmond’s line-up in a five-year career at the Club. A solidly-built, determined defender, who read the play well. Back-to-back winner of the Tigers’ Best and Fairest in 1958-1959 and was the team’s vice-captain in 1960-1961.

Ray Steele – 42 games, 1940-1943
A half-back-flanker recruited from University Blacks. Before joining Richmond, he represented the Victorian Amateur's team, as well as captaining the state team in 1939. His last senior game with the Tigers was as vice-captain of the triumphant team in the 1943 Grand Final against Essendon. Took a crucial mark deep in defence during the frantic, closing stages of the match to prevent Essendon getting over the line. Also was a member of the Club’s 1940 and 1942 Grand Final sides.

The No. 4 Richmond premiership players
1920, 1921: Hughie James
1932, 1934: Maurie Sheahan
1943: Ray Steele 
1967, 1969, 1873, 1974: Royce Hart
1980: Geoff Raines
2017, 2019, 2020: Dustin Martin