Matthew Richardson is a celebrated figure in the Australian sporting scene, having made an indelible mark on the Australian Football League (AFL) during his career. Richardson spent the better part of his formative years honing his skills in Australian rules football. By the time he was 18, Richardson had been drafted by Richmond, one of the pre-eminent teams in the AFL, marking the beginning of a career that would span 17 years.
During his time at Richmond, Richardson carved a reputation for himself as a towering and agile forward, renowned for his high-flying mark-taking ability. Famed for his accuracy with the ball in front of the goals, he is regarded as one of the greatest players to have ever represented the Richmond Football Club, scoring a total of 800 goals in 282 games.
Richardson retired from professional football in 2009, but his love for the game didn’t diminish. He went on to become an esteemed media personality and commentator, providing his expert insights about the sport he loved to millions of fans across the country. In recognition of his contribution to the game, he was appointed as a member of the AFL’s All Australian selection committee in 2014, a role he served with distinction.
Today, Richardson’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of players as he remains a highly respected figure in Australian football. His significant contributions to the sport have been recognised through his induction into the Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame in 2016, in addition to his status as a Life Member of Richmond Football Club.