Right here at Gate 6, we find the Dick Reynolds Statue. It commemorates a true legend of Australian Rules football. But who was Dick Reynolds and why does he deserve such an honor?
Dick Reynolds, affectionately known as “King Richard”, is an Essendon icon. He is considered by many to be Essendon’s best ever player. Some say he is one of the greatest of all time.
Born in 1915, Reynolds joined Essendon at just 16 years old. From Woodlands in the Essendon District League, he quickly made his mark. Reynolds played 320 games over 18 seasons. In doing so he set numerous football records.
Reynolds was acknowledged by his contemporaries as the greatest player of all time. Essendon supporters revered him. That’s why they gave him the nickname “King Richard”.
He had a great temperament. Reynolds seemed to have it all. He was determined and fearless. A true “ball-magnet”, he could run all day. As his career progressed, he evolved. He went from a rover into a half-forward. Finally, he played as a ruck-rover.
In his second season, at only 18 years old, Reynolds won his first Brownlow Medal. He remains the youngest man to ever win the award. He then won again in 1937 and 1938.
Reynolds won the Essendon Best and Fairest award seven times in ten seasons. That was from 1934 to 1943. He headed Essendon’s goalkickers in 1943 with 31 goals.
After coach Jack Baggott resigned in 1939, Reynolds took over. He was then vice-captain. He was appointed captain-coach at just 25 years old. He held that position until the end of 1950. After this he continued as non-playing coach until 1960.
Under Reynolds’ leadership, the Club played finals in 16 seasons out of 22. They won four flags in 1942, 1946, 1949 and 1950. This was a remarkable turnaround. The team had been down for so long.
Reynolds himself was best on the ground. He played as first rover in the 1942 premiership win. He also played in the forward pocket in 1949. He was outstanding in that role in the 1950 victory.
His 27 finals appearances have only been surpassed at the Club by Bill Hutchison. Reynolds played in 10 Grand Finals. Only one player in league history has played in more. That was Michael Tuck, with 11. Reynolds’ 51 finals goals is the second highest at Essendon. Matthew Lloyd scored 52.
Reynolds played for Victoria every year from 1934 to 1939. He played again in 1941, 1945 and 1946. He was captain of Victoria in 1939 and 1946.
He retired from playing after the 1950 Grand Final. However, he continued to coach. Reynolds made a comeback in the latter part of the 1951 Grand Final. It was his only game that year. The team was depleted with injuries. It was his 320th and last appearance.
After his retirement, the Club wanted to name the Essendon Recreation Reserve after him. Instead, the original grandstand bore his name. It became the R. S. Reynolds Stand.
Even-tempered and sincere, Reynolds enjoyed the respect of every player he coached. His success rate of just over 66% is still one of the best in League history.
Dick Reynolds died in 2002. The entire football community mourned him. He remains an inaugural Legend of both Essendon’s Hall of Fame and the Australian Football Hall of Fame.
This Dick Reynolds Statue stands as a testament to his incredible career. It honors his contributions to Essendon and Australian Rules football. Take a moment to appreciate the legacy of “King Richard”.