The Matthew Richardson medal is awarded to the Tasmanian State League’s Rookie of the Year since its inception in 2010.
History of the Matthew Richardson Medal
The award is named after champion Tasmanian footballer Matthew Richardson, who was born in Devonport and is best known as 13-time club Leading Goalkicker at Richmond FC.
The son of former South Melbourne and Richmond player Alan Richardson, Matthew played for the Devonport Football Club, before being drafted at Pick 4 (as a Father-Son Selection) by Richmond in the 1992 AFL Draft.
“Richo” was known for his marking ability as well as his speed and work-rate and played primarily as a key forward as well as playing on the wing, especially in the later stages of his career, with the 2008 season in particular he finished 3rd in the Brownlow Medal. He went on to kick 800 goals for the Tigers in his 282 game AFL career. The 3-time All-Australian was Richmond’s Leading Goalkicker a record 13 times, with his biggest season haul of 91 coming in 1996.
Following his retirement in 2009, Richardson moved straight into a media career with Channel 7, joining the commentary team on Friday and Saturday nights as well as on the panel of AFL Game Day.
His Accolades During His AFL Career:
– 282 Games
– 800 Goals
– 13-time Leading Goalkicker for Richmond (1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008)
– Tasmania Team of the Century
– All-Australian Team: (1996, 1999, 2008)
– Tasmania State of Origin Team Representative
– AFL Life Member (2009)
– Australian Hall of Fame Inductee as Player (2014)
– Richmond Team Of The Century
– Richmond Life Membership (2002)
– Richmond Best And Fairest (2007)
How The Matthew Richardson Medal is Awarded
At the conclusion of the Home and Away season, TSL management sit down and decide the winner of the Matthew Richardson medal.
Criteria to be eligible for the Rookie of the Year medal:
- Played less than 20 Senior Games of TSL Football prior to the season
- Be Under 23 years age
- Have no more than 2 years on a Senior List
The winner is announced and the medal awarded at the Lynch Medal awards during the finals series.
Winners of the Matthew Richardson Medal
2022: Jordan Lane (Kingborough)
2021: Michael Stingel (North Launceston)
2020: Oliver Davis (Clarence)
2019: Will Poland (Kingborough)
2018: Sherrin Egger (North Launceston)
2017: James Holmes (Clarence)
2016: Toutai Havea (Lauderdale)
2015: Jordon Arnold (Glenorchy)
2014: Ben Halton (Lauderdale)
2013: Thane Bardenhagen (South Launceston)
2012: Aaron McNab (Devonport)
2011: Kaine Waller (Lauderdale)
2010: Trent Standen (Clarence)
