Kevin Bartlett (from his book “KB: A Life In Football”)

“Dick Clay was one of the most versatile players I played with. At Kyabram he played full-forward. In his first game for Richmond he played at centre half-forward on Ted Whitten. Tommy Hafey moved him on to the wing, because he loved the idea of a tall wingman who was quick and a big kick. Dick was a very good mark; in fact he was one of the best all-round talented footballers ever to play at Richmond. Not too many opponents beat Dick on the wing. And Dick played a wonderful game in the 1973 Grand Final at full-back on (Alex) Jesaulenko.”

Kevin Sheedy (from his book “Sheeds: A Touch Of Cunning”)

Dick was one of the very best players I have encountered, but he was in the same team as the best, Francis Bourke. How stiff, or how lucky, can you be? All I can say is that Dick was, if anything, a longer kick and faster than Francis and, like him, could play anywhere.

Royce Hart (from his 1970 book “The Royce Hart Story”)

Clay is 6’2” and loaded with class. He is a magnificent mark and has tremendous speed, and this combination of height and pace gives him a great advantage.”

The Herald newspaper’s legendary football writer Alf Brown

“Young Clay, big and fast as a wingman, fitted admirably into Richmond’s long-kicking game. He would run 10 metres with the ball, have a bounce if it was safe, and then let them go with a 60-metre kick. As a full-back he could reach close to the centre when kicking off and he had the best mark-spoiling punch in the game. Clay was a brilliant wingman and is remembered more in this role than as a defender. As a full-back, he was a superb team-man. He broke a full-forward’s heart. He did not try for the big mark. He was content to punch the ball away all day and rely on his own quickness or teammates around him to clear.”

Renowned football journalist Mike Sheahan

What a player! Equally proficient forward, midfield or back. He played in four premiership teams in eight seasons in various roles and was a highly accomplished dasher wherever he was placed!