Dual Jack Dyer Medallist and former Richmond captain Matthew Knights will be one of the Tigers’ greats inducted into the Hall of Fame, at a gala function to be held at the Regent Theatre on Friday August 19.
Knights was a classy left-foot midfielder, who had a stellar 15-season career with Richmond.
He was still a teenager, when he won the first of his two Jack Dyer Medals and he went on to captain the Tigers from 1997-2000.
The highlight of Knights’ illustrious playing career was Richmond’s sensational come-from-behind victory over Essendon in the cut-throat 1995 second semi-final clash, where he single-handedly kept the Tigers in the contest during the first half, scoring three of the team’s four goals, including a gem, which ranks right up there as one of the best in Yellow and Black history.
2011 Richmond Hall of Fame function
Friday, August 19
Plaza Ballroom, Regent Theatre
11.45am-3pm
Call (03) 9426 4403
‘Knighter’, as he was affectionately known, was a ‘ball-magnet’, racking up possessions seemingly at will, and delivering to teammates by hand or foot with the utmost precision.
His creativity, along with his ability to weave out of trouble on the field, and all-round silky-smooth style of play, made him a favorite son of the Tiger Army.
He had a rapid rise through the ranks at Tigerland, starting off in the under 19s in 1988, progressing through to the reserves and then making his senior league debut before the season was out.
Knights is also a member of Richmond's Team of the Century (named on the interchange bench) and a Life Member of the Club.
Richmond CEO Brendon Gale said: “The Richmond Football Club has one of the proudest histories in the AFL, and we think it’s extremely important to recognise those who have made a significant contribution to this club.”
“Matthew Knights was a brilliant player, who made those around him better. He embodied Yellow and Black traits like passion, skill and determination.
“We will induct more Richmond greats at the inaugural Hall of Fame function this month, to sit alongside names like Jack Dyer, Kevin Bartlett, Francis Bourke, Royce Hart, Dale Weightman, Graeme Richmond and Neville Crowe.”
Last year, Richmond inducted Mark Lee, Neil Balme, Ian Wilson and Ray Martin. There are currently 48 members of the Richmond Hall of Fame - 37 players and 11 ‘servants’.
To find out more about each member, click here.
Matthew Knights profile
Date of birth: 5/10/1970
Height: 178cm
Playing weight: 79kg
Recruited to Richmond from: Mildura Imperials
Guernsey number at Richmond: No. 33
Games at Richmond (1988-2002): 279
Goals: 141
Honors at Richmond: Jack Dyer Medal winner in 1990 and 1992; Club captain from 1997-2000; received RFC Life Membership in 1995, member of Richmond's Team of the Century (named on the interchange bench).
