"Old Time Tiger Hero's" Des Rowe
Des Rowe (19 November, 1925- 12 May , 2007) Des Rowe played 175 games for the Richmond Tigers between 1946 and 1957, he kicked 24 goals during his time at the Tigers.
Des was a well built half back who's football career began at Coburg in the VFA, in 1945 he booted 60 goals and had envisions of joining Melbourne in the VFL in 1946, unfortunately for Des these dreams were dashed when it was pointed out that he lived in the Tigers recruitment zone, reluctantly Des joined the Tigers. The Argus reported on the 13/3/1946 that there were jubilant scenes at the Tigers training when Des arrived for his first training run, described as one of the best center half forwards in the VFA, the Tigers liked what they saw in the dashing 20 yr old, although his prefered position was up forward, his skills were better suited to a defensive role.
During his 12 seasons with the Tigers Des's skills, his speed, tenacity, and urgency, he was also a good kick with great judgement and anticipation, which helped him become acknowledged as one of the finest half backs in the game, dependable and self-assured, he rarely lowered his colours, and was one of the most respected players at the Tigers. In 1952 Des became captain of the Tigers, a role he filled until 1957, unfortunately he was unable to lead the team to any finals glory, with a best finish of 5th in 1954. Des retired from playing at the end of the 1957 season, he returned to the Tigers as coach between 1961-1963. Des won the Tigers Best and Fairest award twice 1951 and 1955, he also was named an All-Australian in 1956 Des Rowe Career highlights
Hall of Fame Inductee: 2004 Playing Career: 1946 – 1957 Games: 175 games Goals: 24 Best & Fairest: 1951(equal), 1955 Interstate Games: 7 Victorian Captain: 1956 All-Australian: 1956 Coach: 1961 – 1963 Night Premiership: 1962 RFC Life Member 1955 RFC Team of the Century
View Des's career stats here
