Neil Balme
Richmond
AFL career
159 games229 goals
- Debut
- R20 1970 v NTH15 Aug 1970
- Most recent
- R13 1979 v CAR30 June 1979
Coaching career
98 games41 wins57 losses0 draws
- First
- R1 1993 v HAW27 Mar 1993
- Most recent
- R9 1997 v PAD23 May 1997
Stats
1979 | RCH | 2 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 4.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.5 | 0.0 | 0.5 |
1978 | RCH | 18 | 6.6 | 6.4 | 13.0 | 2.8 | 2.1 | 3.3 | 0.7 | 0.3 |
1977 | RCH | 22 | 10.6 | 9.3 | 19.9 | 5.4 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 0.5 | 0.4 |
1976 | RCH | 21 | 9.2 | 4.5 | 13.7 | 4.6 | 2.8 | 2.9 | 0.9 | 0.6 |
1975 | RCH | 25 | 9.4 | 4.7 | 14.1 | 4.8 | 2.4 | 2.3 | 1.0 | 0.8 |
1974 | RCH | 18 | 9.4 | 5.0 | 14.4 | 4.4 | 1.6 | 2.6 | 2.1 | 1.2 |
1973 | RCH | 13 | 6.8 | 2.7 | 9.5 | 3.6 | 0.8 | 2.5 | 2.6 | 2.2 |
1972 | RCH | 20 | 7.5 | 1.8 | 9.3 | 3.7 | 1.1 | 2.5 | 2.8 | 1.5 |
1971 | RCH | 17 | 8.8 | 2.0 | 10.8 | 4.2 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 1.6 | 1.1 |
1970 | RCH | 3 | 6.3 | 3.7 | 10.0 | 2.3 | 1.3 | 4.0 | 2.7 | 1.0 |
Bio
Recruited from Subiaco in the WANFL, Neil Balme arrived at Richmond in 1970 and quickly became the archetype of the aggressive, uncompromising football played under Tom Hafey. A menacing presence standing 194cm, he split his time between the ruck and the forward line, combining brute physical force with high-level skill and goal sense. Balme was a central figure in the Tigers' back-to-back premierships in 1973 and 1974, playing a controversial but pivotal role as the club's enforcer while simultaneously topping the team's goalkicking in 1972 and 1973.
Recurring knee injuries eventually took their toll on his durability, forcing him into retirement at the end of the 1979 season. Although his playing days were defined by his raw power and the physical intimidation he imposed on opponents, Balme transitioned seamlessly into off-field roles, eventually becoming one of the modern era's most successful football administrators and a key architect behind premiership success at multiple clubs.
Profile
- Born
- 15 Jan 1952 (age 74y 279d)
- Birthplace
- Perth, WA
- Height
- 194 cm
- Weight
- 96 kg
Teams
Coaching
- Melbourne (Senior Coach)1993–199798 games (W41 L57 D0), 41.8%
Honours
- Premiership(2×) 1973, 1974
- Richmond B&F
- 2nd
- 1977
- Top 10
- 1974, 1975, 1976, 1978
Family
- Brother:Craig Balme
Bio
1 revisionRecruited from Subiaco in the WANFL, Neil Balme arrived at Richmond in 1970 and quickly became the archetype of the aggressive, uncompromising football played under Tom Hafey. A menacing presence standing 194cm, he split his time between the ruck and the forward line, combining brute physical force with high-level skill and goal sense. Balme was a central figure in the Tigers' back-to-back premierships in 1973 and 1974, playing a controversial but pivotal role as the club's enforcer while simultaneously topping the team's goalkicking in 1972 and 1973.
Recurring knee injuries eventually took their toll on his durability, forcing him into retirement at the end of the 1979 season. Although his playing days were defined by his raw power and the physical intimidation he imposed on opponents, Balme transitioned seamlessly into off-field roles, eventually becoming one of the modern era's most successful football administrators and a key architect behind premiership success at multiple clubs.