Neil Balme

Neil Balme began playing for Richmond aged eighteen in 1970. An uncompromising forward/ruckman, he played a key role in the 1973 and 1974 premierships, before retiring as a player in 1979. He then coached SANFL side Norwood to two premierships before coaching the Melbourne Demons. As head of football at Collingwood, he oversaw two grand finals. As Geelong’s head of football he enjoyed three premierships, and since returning to his old home of Richmond as head of football, he has overseen another three premierships – so far.