Full Name: JOE MURDOCH
Date of Birth: 30/10/1908
Height: 183 cm ( 6-0 )
Weight: 82 kg ( 12-13 )
Guernsey: 13
Debut: 28/05/1927, Round 5, North Melbourne
Last Game: 05/ 09/1936, Round 18, Essendon
RICHMOND SENIORS
Seasons: 1927-36
Total Games: 180
Total Goals: 6
Honours: Premiership 1932, 1934, Victorian Representative Team 1932 Games 1 Goals 0.
RICHMOND RESERVES
Seasons: 1927-28
Total Games: 8
Total Goals: 0
Honours:
BIOGRAPHY
Joe was a strong, rugged defender who usually played as a half-back or centre-half-back. He was recruited from a local Richmond church team and quickly became a permanent member of the Tigers’ defence during his ten years with the club. A ruthless player he had a no-nonsense approach to the game. Once when opposed to Collingwood Goalkicking legend Gordon Coventry, Joe noticed that on the back of Coventry’s neck was a large boil. When the opportune moment arose, he hit the boil, causing the Collingwood champion to retaliate. The umpire was quickly on the scene and reported Coventry for striking Joe. His main strengths were his intense concentration and his excellent body use in physical clashes. He was also very reliable, a fine mark and a long kick. A mobile type, he combined well with Baggott and McCormack to form a great half-back line. He was given the job of playing on a young rookie named Jack Dyer in his first practice match with Richmond. Coach “Checker” Hughes gave Joe very clear instructions on the way he wanted him to play Dyer. He played his part so well that Jack Dyer took one mark for the entire game and did not get a kick.
He played in the 1932 and 1934 Premiership teams, as well as the 1928, 1929, 1931 and 1933 Grand Final sides. He actually played as a half-forward in the 1934 victory, kicking one of his 6 career goals. He represented Victoria in 1932 and he was awarded club Life Membership, in 1937. After leaving Richmond, he moved to Castlemaine as playing-coach. He was an S.E.C linesman by trade, and now lives at Castlemaine where he still plays bowls. Joe is one of Richmond’s oldest living past players.
PRE RICHMOND
Brighton Street School 1924 ; Burnley Church of Christ 1925-26.
POST RICHMOND
Castlemaine Captain/Coach 1937, Games 21, Goals 14 ; Castlemaine United Captain/Coach 1938-41 ( Honours - Premiership 1940 ) ; Maryborough 1939, Games 4, Goals 5.
Photos
Rd 5 1932 vs Hawthorn
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