Matthew Richardson (Australian rules footballer)
Encyclopedia
Matthew "Richo" Richardson (born 19 March 1975 in Devonport, Tasmania
), is a retired professional Australian rules football
er who played for Richmond
in the Australian Football League
. He was the club's key forward through the late 1990s and the 2000s, the club's leading goalscorer thirteen times and has been selected in the All Australian team in 1996, 1999 and 2008.
He has the second most goals in the history of the Richmond Football Club and the eleventh most goals
in the history of the VFL/AFL competition. He was regarded by many as one of the greatest players of the modern era because of his marking prowess, speed and stamina. Richardson was one of the most popular players in the competition, this was shown when the crowd at the 2008 brownlow medal cheered every vote he got. Mark Robinson from the Herald Sun wrote "M. Richardson... I'm sure there wouldn't have been a more popular winner".
) in the 1992
AFL Draft
, and was recruited from Devonport
, Tasmania
. He is the son of former Richmond and South Melbourne player Alan "Bull" Richardson
.
Combining a 196-centimetre frame with exceptional speed and athletic capacity for a large man, on his day he has been a dominant presence for the Tigers. He suffered a serious knee injury (torn left ACL) in a collision with the fence in Round 9, 1995 vs Sydney at the SCG and missed the rest of the season after reconstructive surgery on his knee, including the Tigers' finals series. In 1996 he came back strongly, playing all 22 games and finished with 91 goals (49 behinds), earning All Australian selection for the first time. He sustained another knee injury in the pre-season of 2001, but recovered to play 22 games and kick 59 goals.
In 2004, a decision to step back involvement in the Tigers' "leadership group" (the small group of senior players who help lead the club on and off-field) and focus on additional strength training paid off, with a flurry of goals in the early part of the season including a career best 10 against the Western Bulldogs
. His 10th goal in that game was a spectacular snap from 30 meters out on his left foot that sent the crowd into a frenzy. However this was to be Richmond's last win of the year as they lost their next 15 games in a row. Richardson finished with a tally of 65 goals for the season.
In 2005 under the coaching of Terry Wallace
he kicked 65 goals again, this time with much more consistency throughout the season.
In 2007, in a match against the Essendon Football Club
, 'Richo' earned the widespread respect of the football community by playing the game with a fractured eye socket and broken nose sustained only a week before. He still managed to kick four goals, and what appeared to be a match-winning fifth until the umpire awarded a controversial free kick against him.
In the same year, he won his first ever club best-and-fairest, beating young gun Nathan Foley
by a single vote.
Richardson is currently ranked second in the AFL
for the most marks ever taken in recorded history (recorded since 1987), sitting on 2249 behind Stewart Loewe
who has 2316.
In 2008 he passed the career goal-kicking tallies of Saverio Rocca
(Collingwood/North Melbourne, 748) and Kevin Bartlett (Richmond, 778) to become the league's eleventh-most prolific goal-scorer of all time. After 282 games, he has booted 800 career goals and 551 behinds and has taken 2,210 marks. Richardson currently holds the record for the most goals kicked at the Melbourne Cricket Ground
. He spent a large part of the season playing on the wing, rather than in the forward line, which allowed him to have a much larger part in the play than ever before. Although he did not win the club best-and-fairest, he was selected on the bench in the All-Australian team and finished third in the Brownlow Medal
.
Playing in Richmond's first win of 2009, Richardson came off the ground in the first quarter, complaining of Glute soreness. He went back on in 3rd quarter but struggled, came off, for the rest of the match. In round six, against Sydney, Richardson, after kicking his 800th career goal, partially tore his hamstring of the bone; he missed the remainder of the season, and the injury would ultimately lead to his retirement at the end of the 2009 season. Richardson played his 300th overall senior game during 2009 (including pre-season games), earning AFL life membership.
Richardson is a character who probably generates more debate amongst football experts and fans than any other in the modern era. As a player, he is known for his work ethic, stamina, courage and excellent marking prowess (particularly for contested marks), but also for his poor accuracy in front of goal. Some experts believe he has underachieved for his abilities, while others believe his record has suffered primarily from playing in an era of weak Richmond teams as well as sustaining serious knee injuries.
Richardson is also known for the high level of emotion he displays on the field. Throughout the early and middle stages of his career, he was heavily criticised for his negative demeanour and his tendency to berate, rather than support, his teammates when they made errors. In the latter stages of his career, he has developed to be a much more supportive teammate, but still showcases very visible emotions which endear his fans and amuse his detractors. In November 2009 Richardson announced his retirement. He got a rousing send-off in Round One of the 2010 season, appearing before the match in Richmond's season opener against Carlton, but the Tigers were unfortunately smashed by the Blues.
Richmond
Other
, who also coached Richardson when he was the caretaker coach for Richmond for the second half of the 2009 season, albeit while Richardson was out injured.
Devonport, Tasmania
-Sport:The Devonport Football Club is an Australian Rules team competing in the Tasmanian Statewide League. The Devonport Rugby Club is a Rugby Union team competing in the Tasmanian Rugby Union Statewide League...
), is a retired professional Australian rules football
Australian rules football
Australian rules football, officially known as Australian football, also called football, Aussie rules or footy is a sport played between two teams of 22 players on either...
er who played for Richmond
Richmond Football Club
The Richmond Football Club, nicknamed The Tigers, is an Australian rules football club which competes in the Australian Football League. Richmond shares healthy rivalries with Carlton, Collingwood and Essendon. After winning five premierships between 1967 and 1980, the club hit the depths in 1990,...
in the Australian Football League
Australian Football League
The Australian Football League is both the governing body and the major professional competition in the sport of Australian rules football...
. He was the club's key forward through the late 1990s and the 2000s, the club's leading goalscorer thirteen times and has been selected in the All Australian team in 1996, 1999 and 2008.
He has the second most goals in the history of the Richmond Football Club and the eleventh most goals
AFL All-time Goalkicking records
The following is a listing of the highest all-time goalkickers in the Australian Football League . Players who have kicked 500 goals or more are listed. Includes only goals kicked in the home and away season and finals...
in the history of the VFL/AFL competition. He was regarded by many as one of the greatest players of the modern era because of his marking prowess, speed and stamina. Richardson was one of the most popular players in the competition, this was shown when the crowd at the 2008 brownlow medal cheered every vote he got. Mark Robinson from the Herald Sun wrote "M. Richardson... I'm sure there wouldn't have been a more popular winner".
Career
Educated at St. Brendan-Shaw and Don Colleges in Devonport, Tasmania, Richardson was the fourth pick (a father-son selectionFather-son rule
The father-son rule is a rule that allows clubs to select the sons of players who have made a major past contribution to the team in Australian rules football, most notably the Australian Football League...
) in the 1992
1992 AFL Draft
The 1992 AFL Draft is the annual draft of talented players by Australian rules football teams that participate in the main competition of that sport, the Australian Football League...
AFL Draft
AFL Draft
The AFL Draft is the annual draft of new unsigned players by Australian rules football teams that participate in the main competition of that sport, the Australian Football League.-History:...
, and was recruited from Devonport
Devonport, Tasmania
-Sport:The Devonport Football Club is an Australian Rules team competing in the Tasmanian Statewide League. The Devonport Rugby Club is a Rugby Union team competing in the Tasmanian Rugby Union Statewide League...
, Tasmania
Tasmania
Tasmania is an Australian island and state. It is south of the continent, separated by Bass Strait. The state includes the island of Tasmania—the 26th largest island in the world—and the surrounding islands. The state has a population of 507,626 , of whom almost half reside in the greater Hobart...
. He is the son of former Richmond and South Melbourne player Alan "Bull" Richardson
Alan Richardson (footballer)
Alan 'Bull' Richardson is a former Australian rules football player who played in the VFL between 1959 and 1969 for the Richmond Football Club and then from mid-1969 until 1970 for the South Melbourne Football Club.-Career:...
.
Combining a 196-centimetre frame with exceptional speed and athletic capacity for a large man, on his day he has been a dominant presence for the Tigers. He suffered a serious knee injury (torn left ACL) in a collision with the fence in Round 9, 1995 vs Sydney at the SCG and missed the rest of the season after reconstructive surgery on his knee, including the Tigers' finals series. In 1996 he came back strongly, playing all 22 games and finished with 91 goals (49 behinds), earning All Australian selection for the first time. He sustained another knee injury in the pre-season of 2001, but recovered to play 22 games and kick 59 goals.
In 2004, a decision to step back involvement in the Tigers' "leadership group" (the small group of senior players who help lead the club on and off-field) and focus on additional strength training paid off, with a flurry of goals in the early part of the season including a career best 10 against the Western Bulldogs
Western Bulldogs
The Western Bulldogs are an Australian rules football club which plays in the Australian Football League . The club is based at the Whitten Oval in West Footscray, an inner-western suburb of Melbourne...
. His 10th goal in that game was a spectacular snap from 30 meters out on his left foot that sent the crowd into a frenzy. However this was to be Richmond's last win of the year as they lost their next 15 games in a row. Richardson finished with a tally of 65 goals for the season.
In 2005 under the coaching of Terry Wallace
Terry Wallace
Terry Wallace is a former professional Australian rules football player and coach.As a player, his career spanned three VFL/AFL clubs; most notably Hawthorn where he played in three premierships as well as achieving All-Australian selection, and two Best and Fairests with the Footscray Football Club...
he kicked 65 goals again, this time with much more consistency throughout the season.
In 2007, in a match against the Essendon Football Club
Essendon Football Club
The Essendon Football Club, nicknamed The Bombers, is an Australian rules football club which plays in the Australian Football League...
, 'Richo' earned the widespread respect of the football community by playing the game with a fractured eye socket and broken nose sustained only a week before. He still managed to kick four goals, and what appeared to be a match-winning fifth until the umpire awarded a controversial free kick against him.
In the same year, he won his first ever club best-and-fairest, beating young gun Nathan Foley
Nathan Foley (footballer)
Nathan Foley is an Australian rules football player. He plays as a midfielder for the Richmond Football Club in the Australian Football League ....
by a single vote.
Richardson is currently ranked second in the AFL
Australian Football League
The Australian Football League is both the governing body and the major professional competition in the sport of Australian rules football...
for the most marks ever taken in recorded history (recorded since 1987), sitting on 2249 behind Stewart Loewe
Stewart Loewe
Stewart Loewe is a former Australian rules football champion of the St Kilda Football Club.Nicknamed "Buckets" for his big hands and the way he was able to mark the ball with ease, Loewe debuted in 1986 for the St Kilda Football Club after being recruited from Mount Eliza...
who has 2316.
In 2008 he passed the career goal-kicking tallies of Saverio Rocca
Saverio Rocca
Saverio "Sav" Giovanni Rocca is a punter for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League and former Australian rules footballer for both and in the Australian Football League. He has also played for the Philadelphia Eagles.He is one of a few players who have converted from...
(Collingwood/North Melbourne, 748) and Kevin Bartlett (Richmond, 778) to become the league's eleventh-most prolific goal-scorer of all time. After 282 games, he has booted 800 career goals and 551 behinds and has taken 2,210 marks. Richardson currently holds the record for the most goals kicked at the Melbourne Cricket Ground
Melbourne Cricket Ground
The Melbourne Cricket Ground is an Australian sports stadium located in Yarra Park, Melbourne and is home to the Melbourne Cricket Club. It is the tenth largest stadium in the world, the largest in Australia, the largest stadium for playing cricket, and holds the world record for the highest light...
. He spent a large part of the season playing on the wing, rather than in the forward line, which allowed him to have a much larger part in the play than ever before. Although he did not win the club best-and-fairest, he was selected on the bench in the All-Australian team and finished third in the Brownlow Medal
Brownlow Medal
The Chas Brownlow Trophy, better known as the Brownlow Medal , is awarded to the "fairest and best" player in the Australian Football League during the regular season as determined by votes cast by the officiating field umpires after each game...
.
Playing in Richmond's first win of 2009, Richardson came off the ground in the first quarter, complaining of Glute soreness. He went back on in 3rd quarter but struggled, came off, for the rest of the match. In round six, against Sydney, Richardson, after kicking his 800th career goal, partially tore his hamstring of the bone; he missed the remainder of the season, and the injury would ultimately lead to his retirement at the end of the 2009 season. Richardson played his 300th overall senior game during 2009 (including pre-season games), earning AFL life membership.
Richardson is a character who probably generates more debate amongst football experts and fans than any other in the modern era. As a player, he is known for his work ethic, stamina, courage and excellent marking prowess (particularly for contested marks), but also for his poor accuracy in front of goal. Some experts believe he has underachieved for his abilities, while others believe his record has suffered primarily from playing in an era of weak Richmond teams as well as sustaining serious knee injuries.
Richardson is also known for the high level of emotion he displays on the field. Throughout the early and middle stages of his career, he was heavily criticised for his negative demeanour and his tendency to berate, rather than support, his teammates when they made errors. In the latter stages of his career, he has developed to be a much more supportive teammate, but still showcases very visible emotions which endear his fans and amuse his detractors. In November 2009 Richardson announced his retirement. He got a rousing send-off in Round One of the 2010 season, appearing before the match in Richmond's season opener against Carlton, but the Tigers were unfortunately smashed by the Blues.
Statistics
- Statistics are correct as of round 6, season 2009
| Season | Team | No. | Games | Goals | Behinds | Kicks Kick (football) Kicking is a method used by many types of football, including:* Association football* Australian rules football* International rules football* American football* Canadian football* Gaelic football* Rugby league* Rugby union... |
Marks Mark (Australian football) A mark is a skill in Australian rules football where a player cleanly catches a kicked ball that has travelled more than 15 metres without anyone else touching it or the ball hitting the ground.... |
Handballs Handball (Australian rules football) Handball is a term in the sport of Australian rules football which describes a method of disposing of possession of the football by hand. It is the most frequently used alternative to kicking the ball... |
Disposals | Tackles Tackle (football move) Most forms of football have a move known as a tackle. The primary purposes of tackling is to disposses an opponent of the ball, to stop the player from gaining ground towards goal or to stop them from carrying out what they intend.... |
Hit Outs | Brownlow Brownlow Medal The Chas Brownlow Trophy, better known as the Brownlow Medal , is awarded to the "fairest and best" player in the Australian Football League during the regular season as determined by votes cast by the officiating field umpires after each game... Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 1993 AFL season -Ladder:All teams played 20 games during the home and away season, for a total of 165. Each team also had two byes. An additional 7 games were played during the finals series.-Awards:*The Brownlow Medal was awarded to Gavin Wanganeen of .... |
12 | 14 | 32 | 24 | 112 | 92 | 53 | 185 | 5 | 0 | 2 | |
| 1994 1994 AFL season -Ladder:All teams played 22 games during the home and away season, for a total of 165. An additional 9 games were played during the finals series. It was the first season that the AFL implemented a top 8 team finals series... |
12 | 19 | 56 | 40 | 153 | 108 | 32 | 185 | 4 | 1 | 5 | |
| 1995 1995 AFL season Results and statistics for the Australian Football League season of 1995.-Round 1:-Round 2:-Round 3:-Round 4:*This was the first ANZAC Day clash held between Collingwood and Essendon which famously ended in a draw.-Round 5:-Round 6:... |
12 | 9 | 27 | 3 | 94 | 60 | 21 | 115 | 6 | 0 | 6 | |
| 1996 1996 AFL season Results and statistics for the Australian Football League season of 1996.See List of Australian Football League premiers for a complete list.-Lighting Premiership:... |
12 | 22 | 91 | 49 | 154 | 177 | 77 | 331 | 6 | 1 | 13 | |
| 1997 1997 AFL season Results and statistics for the Australian Football League season of 1997.The Port Adelaide Power joined the competition.The Brisbane Lions also joined the competition after the merger of the and .... |
12 | 19 | 47 | 35 | 197 | 148 | 49 | 246 | 8 | 4 | 9 | |
| 1998 | 12 | 16 | 55 | 41 | 158 | 113 | 48 | 199 | 9 | 2 | 2 | |
| 1999 | 12 | 20 | 67 | 41 | 247 | 172 | 75 | 322 | 5 | 6 | 16 | |
| 2000 | 12 | 3 | 13 | 8 | 41 | 29 | 9 | 50 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| 2001 2001 AFL season Results and statistics for the Australian Football League season of 2001.See List of Australian Football League premiers for a complete list.-National Cup:Port Adelaide defeated Brisbane Lions 17.9 to 3.8 in the Final.... |
12 | 22 | 56 | 36 | 249 | 182 | 54 | 303 | 9 | 8 | 9 | |
| 2002 2002 AFL season -Round 2:-Round 3:-Round 4:-Round 5 :-Ladder:All teams played 22 games during the home and away season, for a total of 176... |
12 | 13 | 36 | 21 | 126 | 91 | 26 | 152 | 7 | 7 | 12 | |
| 2003 2003 AFL season Results and statistics for the Australian Football League season of 2003.See List of Australian Football League premiers for a complete list.-National Cup:... |
12 | 19 | 33 | 34 | 215 | 173 | 77 | 292 | 11 | 25 | 4 | |
| 2004 2004 AFL season Results and statistics for the Australian Football League season of 2004.See List of Australian Football League premiers for a complete list.-Wizard Home Loans Cup:The Wizard Home Loans Cup Final saw St... |
12 | 18 | 65 | 50 | 188 | 130 | 44 | 232 | 10 | 1 | 10 | |
| 2005 2005 AFL season Results and statistics for the Australian Football League season of 2005.See List of Australian Football League premiers for a complete list.-National Cup:... |
12 | 22 | 65 | 46 | 147 | 166 | 49 | 296 | 13 | 1 | 7 | |
| 2006 2006 AFL season Results and statistics for the Australian Football League season of 2006.-National Cup: 3.10.5 defeated 1.10.15 in the 2006 NAB Cup Final... |
12 | 18 | 45 | 40 | 202 | 150 | 67 | 269 | 13 | 9 | 10 | |
| 2007 2007 AFL season The 2007 AFL Season was the 111th season of the Australian Football League, the highest-level professional Australian rules football league in Australia... |
12 | 22 | 53 | 40 | 261 | 197 | 72 | 333 | 14 | 18 | 6 | |
| 2008 2008 AFL season -Round 1 :-Round 2:-Round 3 :-Round 4:-Round 5:-Round 6 :-Round 7:-AFL Hall of Fame Tribute Match:-Round 8:... |
12 | 20 | 48 | 30 | 262 | 222 | 102 | 364 | 11 | 3 | 22 | |
| 2009 2009 AFL season -Round 1 :-Round 2:-Round 3 :-Round 4:-Round 5 :-Round 6:-Round 7:-Round 8:-Round 9 :-Round 10:... |
12 | 6 | 9 | 13 | 76 | 60 | 31 | 107 | 3 | 3 | 6 | |
| Totals | 282 | 800 | 551 | 3058 | 2249 | 871 | 3929 | 132 | 88 | 140 | ||
Achievements & Honours
AFL- AFL Rising Star Nominee (1993)
- All Australian (1996, 1999, 2008)
- Alex Jesaulenko MedalAlex Jesaulenko MedalThe Alex Jesaulenko Medal refers to three unrelated medals in Australian rules football, all named in honour of Alex Jesaulenko, a legend in the Australian Football Hall of Fame. The medals are currently awarded annually to the best player in the grand final of the AFL Canberra league and to the...
(1996) - International Rules (1999)
- Tasmanian State of Origin Representative (1993)
- Dream Team RepresentativeAFL Hall of Fame Tribute MatchThe AFL Hall of Fame Tribute Match was a one-off all-star game between two representative sides organised by the Australian Football League to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Australian rules football....
(2008) - Third in 20082008 Brownlow MedalThe 2008 Brownlow Medal was awarded to Adam Cooney of the Western Bulldogs, who was adjudged to have been the best and fairest player during the 2008 Australian Football League home and away season. It is the most prestigious individual award in Australian rules football and was held at the Crown...
Brownlow MedalBrownlow MedalThe Chas Brownlow Trophy, better known as the Brownlow Medal , is awarded to the "fairest and best" player in the Australian Football League during the regular season as determined by votes cast by the officiating field umpires after each game...
[Polled 22 votes] - AFLAustralian Football LeagueThe Australian Football League is both the governing body and the major professional competition in the sport of Australian rules football...
Life Membership 2009
Richmond
- RichmondRichmond Football ClubThe Richmond Football Club, nicknamed The Tigers, is an Australian rules football club which competes in the Australian Football League. Richmond shares healthy rivalries with Carlton, Collingwood and Essendon. After winning five premierships between 1967 and 1980, the club hit the depths in 1990,...
Leading GoalkickerMichael Roach MedalThe Michael Roach Medal is an Australian rules football award given each season to the leading goalkicker for the Richmond Football Club.The award is now named in honour of Michael Roach, Richmond's "best post-war full forward"...
(1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008) - Richmond Team of the Century (Half-forward flank)
- RichmondRichmond Football ClubThe Richmond Football Club, nicknamed The Tigers, is an Australian rules football club which competes in the Australian Football League. Richmond shares healthy rivalries with Carlton, Collingwood and Essendon. After winning five premierships between 1967 and 1980, the club hit the depths in 1990,...
Life Membership 2002 - RichmondRichmond Football ClubThe Richmond Football Club, nicknamed The Tigers, is an Australian rules football club which competes in the Australian Football League. Richmond shares healthy rivalries with Carlton, Collingwood and Essendon. After winning five premierships between 1967 and 1980, the club hit the depths in 1990,...
Best and FairestJack Dyer MedalThe Jack Dyer Medal is an Australian rules football award given each season to the player or players adjudged Best and Fairest for the Richmond Football Club....
(2007) - 100 Tiger Treasures "The Strong & the Bold" Nominee (2008)
- 100 Tiger Treasures "Brave Act of the Century" Nominee (2008)
- 100 Tiger Treasures "Mark of the Century" Nominee (2008)
Other
- Tasmanian Team of the Century (Interchange Bench)
- Tasmanian Football Hall of FameTasmanian Football Hall of FameThe Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame was established to help recognise outstanding services and overall contribution made to the sport of Australian rules football in Tasmania. Any participant of the sport, including players, umpires, media personalities and coaches, may be inducted...
- Inducted 2005 Legend Status -2010
Personal life
His sister, Samantha, is married to retired Hawthorn, Bulldogs and Kangaroos footballer Jade RawlingsJade Rawlings
Jade Rawlings was the caretaker coach of the Richmond Tigers Football Club, and is a former Australian rules footballer who played in the AFL with the Hawthorn, Western Bulldogs and the North Melbourne Football Clubs....
, who also coached Richardson when he was the caretaker coach for Richmond for the second half of the 2009 season, albeit while Richardson was out injured.