Over the course of six decades, Richards left an indelible mark on Victoria Park, first as a Premiership player, then as coach and finally, administrator, adding a significant yet somehow under acknowledged chapter to the tale of the revered Pannam/Richards Magpie dynasty.
Indeed, the scope of his contribution was such that Richards would become the first ex-Collingwood player to be recognised for his services to the game when the AFL bestowed upon him the Jack Titus Award in 1990.
The younger brother of Lou, Richards’ outstanding football pedigree seemingly foretold of a lifetime in the game.
However, Richards eventual rise to Collingwood’s senior ranks ultimately proved to be the result of a tenacious, industrious streak which would eventually become his trademark rather than circumstance.
Making his VFL bow at 19, the diminutive Richards found his niche as a rover, his penchant for the contest making him a particularly valued member of a Magpie side which would soon taste the ultimate success.
Alongside Bob Rose and Lou, the trio formed a formidable midfield core, typifying the brand of football then synonymous with the Collingwood name.
To cast Richards as an on-ball grafter however would be to dismiss his reputation as star for the grand occasion, winning Collingwood’s best finals player award in 1951, before finishing runner-up in 1953 as the Magpies claimed a drought breaking 12th flag.
It would prove to be the ’53 decider which came to define Richards’ 145 games in Black and White, when fielded in an unlikely role as wingman, the then 25-year old produced a star turn to inspire the Magpies to victory.
The unorthodox move, a brainchild of Jock McHale, the former coach whose presence on Lulie Street remained influential, sparked a best on ground display from Richards and triggered the high watermark of his on-field career.
While a sojourn with East Hawthorn, commencing in 1956 halted his relationship with Collingwood, the split proved temporary, with Richards appointed Under-19s coach in 1964.
Coaching the likes of Len Thompson and John Greening, Richards’ eight-year tenure at the helm of Collingwood’s thirds brigade reached its zenith in 1965, when the side claimed the Under-19’s Premiership.
He was then sequestered to coach the Magpies Reserves outfit in 1972, enjoying a 10 season stint in charge during an era ultimately characterised by Collingwood’s well documented ordeal to claim the holy grail of Australian football.
Though his period as Reserves coach failed to yield a flag, it would be in his extended role as member of Collingwood’s match committee, following a year on the club board, where Richards would again play a decisive hand in helping guide the Magpies to Premiership number 14 in 1990.
In some capacity or another, Richards would be involved in over 1300 Collingwood games, a figure which though illustrative, perhaps fails to adequately recognise the level of devotion and dedication demonstrated by the ultimate club servant.
Richards’ contribution across the wide gamut of the football spectrum ensures he will be forever cherished, and never forgotten as a man on whose shoulders, responsibility sat lightly.
Ron and Lou Richards pose with the 1953 premiership cup beneath a portrait of coach Jock McHale in 2011.
The 1953 premiership team (Ron is at the far left of the back row).
Ron Richards in his footballing prime.
Lou and Ron on stage as the 1953 premiership team is inducted into the Collingwood Hall of Fame at the 2013 Season Launch.
Ron (third from the right) and other members of the 1953 premiership team take to the stage at Collingwood's 2013 Season Launch and Hall of Fame Dinner.
