I noticed in the Herald Sun Death Notices, during this week, the passing of former Richmond player Mr John Ritchie.
Mr Ritchie played from 1951- 1955, for 40 games and 2 goals. He wore numbers 35 and 30 during his career.
As a half back flanker,he started his career with Richmond for the Thirds in 1949.
By 1951, he was playing in the senior team -his debut, Round 4 1951 against Hawthorn; the Tigers won.
He played during one of Richmond's least successful eras on the field. Of the 40 games - only 19 were victories.
In 1955, he was a member of the Reserves Premiership side , which defeated Footscray by 30 points
In 1956, he was appointed captain of the Reserves - with the 'Cubs' making the Preliminary Final , before losing to South Melbourne by 21 points. The Cubs would not make the finals for another 8 years. That same year he tied for the Reserves Best and Fairest with Charlie Flannagan.
A Reserves Premiership player, Captain and Best and Fairest - our condolences to his family and friends.
Eat Em Alive Tiger.