Australian Football

Eric Leech’s career with Richmond was effectively ruined by injury. Between 1970 and 1979 he played a total of 149 senior or reserve games out of a possible 237. At a time when the Tigers enjoyed almost unmatched pre-eminence only one of Leech’s appearances came in a final. He kept his place on the list though because he was such an effective defender, and always gave good value when selected. Playing in a back pocket or at full back, he was no stylist, preferring to nullify his direct opponent by whatever means possible rather than go on eye catching runs out of the backlines. He was good in the air, but almost invariably chose to spoil rather than attempt to mar. He played 79 senior VFL games for the Tigers without registering a single goal.

Author - John Devaney