Francis Bourke - "St Francis"

"St Francis"

Bourke's name became a by-word for courage. His persistence was recognised by Richmond when it awarded him the club's "Most Determined" trophy in 1967, 1972, 1977 and 1980. Just as he had continued to play after being warned not to when a teenager, Bourke often played with injuries that would have incapacitated others. In 1971, in a game against Hawthorn, he unwittingly broke a bone in his leg, but continued to play until the extent of his injury was realised, then managed to walk off the ground. The injury, serious enough to keep him off the field for the next nine games, became essential to the legend of Bourke's determination. He was also a great finals player, and received a trophy as best player in Richmond's unsuccessful finals campaign of 1972.

Following their thrashing in the 1972 Grand Final, the Tigers decided that the team's defence required bolstering, so Bourke was shifted to half back. Going into the 1973 finals, Bourke suffered a severe knee injury that put his career in doubt, yet, despite running with a visible limp, was a stand out in the Grand Final playing on Carlton's matchwinner, Alex Jesaulenko. Richmond won back-to-back flags in 1973–1974 and Bourke was one of the team's stars.