12/05/2023
Footy Card Friday! 🏉🃏
This week's edition is from the Select 1996 AFLPA Series, featuring 3x Tasmanian Tigers and 2x iconic Cats 🐯🍎🍏🐈
Matthew 'Richo' Richardson was recruited from Devonport as a father-son (via father Alan 'Bull' Richardson) and quickly became a superstar of the competition. Richo wore his heart on his sleeve across 282 games from 1993-2009, booting 800 goals he was a 3x All Australian, AFL Hall of Famer, Tasmanian Team of the Century, Richmond Team of the Century, 13x club leading goalkicker, Best & Fairest and represented Tasmania, The Allies and The Dream Team.
Brendon 'Benny' Gale was recruited from Burnie, going on to play 244 games for the Tigers as a Centre-Half Forward and part-time Ruckman from 1990 to 2001, he kicked 209 goals. A Tasmanian Hall of Famer and Tasmanian representative, later becoming CEO during a golden era for the Tigers.
Michael 'Butch' Gale, older brother of Brendon, was recruited to Fitzroy from Penguin, playing 105 games from 1985-1993, before crossing to the Tigers for a further 91 games from 1994-1998. From a family of champion footballers, the Gales were dependable players for the Tigers during a period of resurgence for the club alongside fellow Tasmanian 'Richo'.
Anthony William 'Billy' Brownless, from Jerilderie in rural NSW, played 198 games for Geelong from 1986-1997, kicking 441 goals. He formed a great partnership with fellow forward Gary Ablett Snr, making the All Australian team in 1991 and a 2x leading goalkicker for the club, unfortunately playing in 4 losing grand finals despite kicking 2/3/4/3 goals in each. Billy has connections to Tasmania, with his borther Blair moving south and forging a successfull career with Clarence, winning 3 premierships and a best & fairest.
Gary Ablett Senior was a genuine icon of the game. Known as 'God' to some, he played 242 AFL games from 1982-1996 (his first 6 at Hawthorn), kicking 1031 goals, which is remarkable given he played the first half of his career on the wing!! A 3x Coleman medallist, Norm Smith medallist, 4x All Australian, Best & Fairest, 9x club leading goalkicker and named in the AFL, Cats and Vic Teams of the Century.
