Ron Richards

Born into one of the Magpies' most famous dynasties, Ron Richards lived up to the family name as the younger brother of club legend Lou Richards and grandson of Charlie Pannam. While Lou was the flamboyant face of the club, Ron was the quiet achiever, carving out a reputation as a tough and courageous rover who rarely shirked a contest. Making his debut in 1947, he became a fixture of the senior side, known for his ability to push forward and impact the scoreboard. His playing career reached its pinnacle in 1953 when he featured in the premiership side alongside his brother, helping the Magpies end a lengthy flag drought.

Richards remained a devoted servant of the club long after hanging up his boots in 1956, transitioning into various off-field roles that extended his official tenure well into the 1970s. He became a highly successful reserves coach, guiding the seconds to multiple premierships, and eventually stepped up as caretaker senior coach for two games in 1974 following the departure of Neil Mann. Often described as the "gentleman" of the Richards clan compared to his larrikin brother, his legacy at Victoria Park is defined by decades of selfless contribution, marking him as a true stalwart of the Black and White.