Submitted by Anthony Lee:
Richard Bennett has had an active involvement at the club since he came to the club in the mid ‘80’s. He played in the backline in the 1987 reserves premiership but then spent more time getting easy kicks on the wing during the 1990’s.
Part of what made the club a great social environment during his playing days was Richards ability to gel people together and make the environment inclusive rather than exclusive. He would make sure that no player or supporter would feel left out, including even Craig Dingle, and would take the younger players under his wing, teaching them all sorts of life skills.
Richard played footy with the Red Lions till the late 1990’s, coaching the reserves in 1996 and part of 1997. In 2004, noticing that there was a need for the club to attract younger players, he formed and coached an U/18’s team and won flags in 2005 & 2006.
Players that Richard plucked from obscurity that have gone on to bigger and better things includes John Williams now with Essendon and ex Brisbane Lion Scott Clouston. Many of the young kids that Richard coached in his U/18’s went on to give great service to the Red Lions.
