Título: Francis Bourke
Seção: Captain, then elder statesman
Background: Bourke's father, Frank, was serving in the RAAF and on leave in Melbourne when he played a solitary game for Richmond in 1943. A tall (193 cm) and lean (85 kg) full forward with an excellent reputation in country football, Frank returned to the city after the war and resume his playing career with Richmond. In the opening weeks of the 1946 season Frank kicked five or more goals six times in the first seven matches to lead the VFL goalkicking table. Injury curtailed further progress.

Conteúdo: In 1976, Bourke was appointed captain of the club and he responded with a great season, although the team slipped down the ladder. He finished third in the Brownlow medal and third in the club's best and fairest award, demonstrating a phenomenal consistency; in nine seasons between 1968 and 1976, Bourke was placed seven times in the best and fairest count.  However, the first signs of advancing age showed the following year. Bourke was so disappointed with his form at one point he privately contemplated retirement, but he continued on and proved his mettle by captaining Victoria against West Australia and leading Richmond into the finals. Key position defenders were in short supply at Richmond, so Bourke was forced to play at centre half back even though he lacked height for the position. At the end of the season, he decided to resign the captaincy in an effort to prolong his career.  This decision paid off in 1980, when the Tigers returned to power and again won the premiership. Due to his slowing leg speed, Bourke was now at full back but still a formidable opponent. Two weeks before the finals, Bourke entered football folklore in a match at Arden Street against North Melbourne. Bourke received an accidental finger in the eye, which quickly filled with blood that poured down his face and on to his guernsey. At the time there was no "blood rule" (requiring bleeding players to leave the field until the bleeding is stopped) and Bourke shifted to the forward line. Although he c

user: What was he captain of?

assistant: In 1976, Bourke was appointed captain of the club and he responded with a great season,

user: Did he win any awards or recognition?

assistant: He finished third in the Brownlow medal and third in the club's best and fairest award,

user: Was he elected to office later?

assistant: CANNOTANSWER

user: Notable or interesting facts from this period in his life?

assistant: Bourke was so disappointed with his form at one point he privately contemplated retirement,

user: Did he retire?

assistant: but he continued on and proved his mettle by captaining Victoria against West Australia and leading Richmond into the finals.

user: How did he spend his time if he did not retire?

assistant: At the end of the season, he decided to resign the captaincy in an effort to prolong his career.

user: What did he do next?

assistant: This decision paid off in 1980, when the Tigers returned to power and again won the premiership.

user: Where were the tigers based?

assistant: Victoria

user: What was his next career move?

assistant: Aged 34, he decided to soldier on in 1981 and became only the third Tiger to play 300 games.