Jack Dyer Medal
Jack Dyer Medal
Did you know the Jack Dyer Medal wasn't always The Jack Dyer Medal!
Until a certain J. Dyer (aka Captain Blood) came along, Richmond's best and fairest was originally named after the legendary Vic Thorp and it wasn't a medal that was awarded it was a shield.
The shield was known as the "Vic Thorp Memorial Shield" and was struck after Vic had died the previous year in October 1941.
The Tigers greatest ever goal kicker Jack Titus was the first ever recipient way back in 1942; 13 years after he had won his only other B & F back in 1929! The announcement was made on the 21st of January 1942 through the newspaper of the day "The Argus". (see attached)
Victor Charles Thorp (25 October 1890–1 October 1941) played for us between 1910 and 1925. Nicknamed "Flippa", Thorp was the first true champion player to emerge at Richmond after our admission to the VFL in 1908. A natural defender who showed great judgement, superior ball skills and fierce concentration, Thorp was considered the best player in the game at his position, full back. Combining pace, great anticipation, courage, mental strength, agility and superb aerial prowess, Thorp was by no means a typical VFL full back, and would probably have been equally successful had he played as a centreman, half back, or half forward. It was not merely the fact that he was effective that made him a great player, it was the fact that he was effective with style. His battles with Dirty Rotten Collingwood forward Dick Lee were a highlight of the era.
Thorp was one of many great players who grew up in the shadow of the Tigers' Punt Road Oval and served the club loyally for many years, thus influencing the development of the parochial culture of the Richmond club. Vic Thorp played 262 games for us and is a dual premiership and best and fairest winner and a true tiger legend.
