Dick Reynolds: Australian Football
Richard Sylvannus “Dick” Reynolds (20 June 1915 – 2 September 2002) represented Essendon in the Victorian League Football League (VFL) as an Australian rules footballer during the 1930s and 1940s. He was nicknamed “King Richard” as he was known as the sport’s classic gentleman.
Greatest Sporting Achievements
Reynolds is one of the four footballers (Haydn Bunton, Sr., Ian Stewart and Bob Skilton) who won three Brownlow Medals. He also received the W.S. Crichton Medal in 1934, 1936 to 1939, 1942 and 1943. He became captain-coach in 1942, 1946, 1949 and 1950, became captain from 1939 to 1950. In 1943, Dick Reynolds became Essendon’s leading goal kicker. He is the 8th player with most goals kicked (442) in 320 games and was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 1996.
Why Was He So Good?
Reynolds stood 179 cm and weighed 82.5 kg, large and heavily built and always came off second best during physical interactions but he constantly possessed leadership qualities, an ultimate stability and ball handling talent. While he didn’t have the greatest kick, every time he was in close proximity to the goals, he was always treacherous, later developing into an outstanding half forward.
Dick Reynolds taking a kickWhat You May Not Know
- In Dick Reynolds’ life outside the field, he was a shy and a private man. He was admired for his humility about his achievements in life.
- In 2004, a statue was made in his honor during the 2004 Parade of Champions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
- He was also a noted cricketer who became a successful medium-fast bowler for Essendon Cricket Club. He later gave it up due to its interference with football.
Was he a legend?
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Related Pages
- More Australian Football legendary players
- Athlete Database home
- About the sport of Australian Football
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