Barney Herbert

Recruited from the hostile territory of Collingwood, Barney Herbert was a geographical anomaly who crossed the divide to become a foundational pillar of the Richmond Football Club. Standing 188cm and weighing nearly 100kg, he was a giant for his era, patrolling the ruck with a lionhearted and uncompromising style. While his early years at Punt Road were defined by the side's poor on-field performance, Herbert remained the physical and spiritual backbone of the team, renowned for using his brute strength to protect his rovers and intimidate opposition followers in the heavy conditions of the time.

Herbert’s career trajectory perfectly mirrored Richmond's rise from cellar dwellers to champions. After claiming back-to-back Best and Fairest awards in 1918 and 1919, he anchored the ruck division during the Tigers' breakthrough premiership victories in 1920 and 1921. He is famously credited with coining the club’s enduring "Eat 'em Alive" catchcry during the celebrations of their maiden flag. Fittingly, he retired immediately after the 1921 Grand Final triumph, later returning to serve as club president and cementing his status as one of the most significant figures in Tiger history.