Wayne Richardson

Recruited from South Fremantle in the WAFL, Wayne Richardson arrived at Victoria Park after a protracted clearance dispute that forced him to sit out the entire 1965 season. Upon making his debut in 1966, he immediately established himself as a premier rover, renowned not for blistering pace, but for his elite football intelligence, courage, and ability to read the play better than most opponents. A prolific ball-winner who used possession efficiently, Richardson was also a dangerous option forward of centre, maintaining a high goal-kicking average for a midfielder throughout his tenure.

He became the engine of the Magpies' side for over a decade, serving as captain from 1971 to 1975 and featuring prominently alongside his brother, Max. While his individual excellence was recognised with two Copeland Trophies and three runner-up finishes in the Brownlow Medal, his career was synonymous with Collingwood's unfortunate era of Grand Final near-misses. He played in the heartbreaking losses of 1966 and 1970, as well as the 1977 draw and subsequent replay defeat. Richardson retired midway through the 1978 season, departing as one of the club's most consistent performers and an eventual Australian Football Hall of Fame inductee.