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Lou Richards
Lou Richards
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Lewis Thomas Charles "Lou" Richards MBE (15 March 1923 – 8 May 2017) was an Australian rules footballer who played 250 games for the Collingwood Football Club in the Victorian Football League (VFL) between 1941 and 1955. He captained the team from 1952 to 1955, including a premiership win in 1953. He later became a hotel manager and a highly prominent sports journalist in print, radio and television for more than 50 years, and he was known for his wit and vivacity.[1]

Key Information

Playing career

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Born in Collingwood, Victoria, Richards' passion for Collingwood grew out of family connections—he followed in the footsteps of his grandfather Charlie Pannam and uncles Charles and Alby Pannam, both former Magpie players. His brother Ron Richards also played for the club. The Richards–Pannam dynasty made Collingwood the only club to have been captained by three generations of the one family. As a family, they played over 1,200 games between them.

Recognised for his skill and toughness, Richards played as a rover, resting in the forward pocket.

He was captain of the club for four years, including Collingwood's 1953 premiership team. Additionally, he represented Victoria on three occasions in State of Origin matches.

Post-playing career

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After his retirement from football, Richards managed a number of Melbourne hotels, including the well-known Phoenix Hotel in Flinders Street, whose regular customers included journalists from the nearby Herald and Weekly Times.[2]

Richards also had a long career in the media, beginning as a sport journalist for The Argus and later The Sun News-Pictorial, where he gained the nickname of "Louie the Lip". He was a very popular commentator on both radio and television, the latter on Channel 7 with his great mates Jack Dyer and Bob Davis.[3] He also appeared on the popular World of Sport program. In the 1990s and 2000s, he made regular appearances on both The Footy Show and the Sunday Footy Show.

His radio career commenced just after his retirement in 1955, when he teamed up with Jack Dyer as 3XY's commentary team. In 1959, he transferred to 3DB, where, as well as being a football commentator, he participated in sports panels and for four years teamed up with well-known DB personality Dick Cranbourne to host the station's breakfast program.[4]

As a football tipster, Richards was known as a Kiss of Death and regularly backed up his tips with famous dares: "I'll cut Teddy Whitten's lawn with nail scissors" or "I'll jump off St Kilda pier."[2]

In 1972, Richards was appointed Court Jester to King of Moomba Johnny Farnham and was the King of Moomba himself in 1981.[5]

In 1989, he released a memoir, The Kiss of Death: Memoirs of a Sporting Legend;[6] an updated version was released in 2012, entitled Lou: My Wonderful Life.[7]

At the end of 2008, Richards retired from hosting the handball segment on the Sunday Footy Show, and he subsequently made only occasional public appearances. His final public appearance was on the 2010 AFL Grand Final edition of The Footy Show; his beloved Collingwood won the grand final replay after drawing against St Kilda in the last-ever drawn grand final.

Honours

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Richards was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1981, received an Australian Sports Medal in 2000, and was awarded a Centenary Medal in 2001.[8][9][10] In 1996, Richards was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame; in 2004, he was named as the captain of the Greek Team of the Century, due to his Greek heritage, and was inducted into the Collingwood Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2008.[11]

Additionally, a statue was dedicated in his honour on 17th April, 2014.[12]

Personal life

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Richards married Edna Lillian Bowie in 1948; the couple had two daughters.[13] Edna was admitted into care with dementia in 2005. She died, aged 87, in March 2008.[14]

On 8 May 2017, Richards died at his nursing home in the Melbourne suburb of Windsor at the age of 94.[15][16] The Richards family accepted the Victorian Government's offer of a state funeral, which took place at St. Paul's Anglican Cathedral on 17 May 2017.[17]

He is the Great-Uncle of Western Bulldogs player, Ed Richards.

State funeral

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Richards' funeral was attended by many prominent politicians, footballers, coaches, media personalities, family, and friends. Prominent people who paid their respects included Nathan Buckley, Garry Lyon, Billy Brownless, Ron Barassi, Rex Hunt, Kevin Sheedy, Bob Skilton, Mick Malthouse, Peter McKenna, and Eddie McGuire, who was one of Lou's eulogisers. Labor leader Bill Shorten, Victorian senator Derryn Hinch, and bosses of the AFL were also among those gathered. Additionally, the 2017 Collingwood team formed a guard of honour for Richards.[18]

At the funeral, Richards' daughter Nicole Morrison spoke of Lou's loyalty to his team and his family, and she spoke of her appreciation for all of the messages of love and support from all over the world; she joked that "he would be humbled by this response—but only for a short time". Grandson Ned Morrison told how each descendant had a dawning moment when they realised Lou was famous. For his sister, Lucy, it was at school pick-up one day, where Lou was mobbed. Ned said, "The trouble for Lucy was that her grandfather was more appealing to the teenage boys at her school than she was."[19]

Former North Melbourne chief executive and administrative Hall of Famer Ron Joseph used his eulogy to speak of Lou Richards' own thoughts for his funeral: "Lou was right. He told me his farewell would be bigger than Texas. He also told me that I’d have to speak at his funeral. "'All the other people I know are dead,' he said."

Joseph continued to relay Richards' own self-eulogy: "You better start thinking about what you are going to say, because it will be a bloody big funeral. Harold Holt’s will have nothing on mine. I had a house down at Portsea near him, you know. He didn’t drown. He took off with a sheila.

"It will be a state funeral, just like his. So that’ll give Jock [McHale], Jack [Dyer] and Bobby Davis the shits."[20]

Due to Lou feeling underpaid at his time with Channel Seven, Joseph added on Richards' behalf: "Tell Nicole and Kim to make sure they get a good quid for the television rights. If Seven are covering it, tell the girls to charge double." Amusingly, Channel 7 broadcast the funeral.

Joseph continued reading Richards' self-eulogy: "EJ’s was a state funeral, too. I’m bigger than Ted ever was. I nicknamed him Mr Football, and he believed it for the rest of his life.

"I called Barassi Mrs football, too. Of all the blokes I've nicknamed over the years, Barassi is about the only one that ever lived up to his moniker.

"And if that Mike Fitzpatrick is at my funeral—you know, the bloke who used to play for Carlton, the Rhodes Scholar. Rhodes Scholar, my bum!

"Tell him I said that he spent too much time at Oxford and Cambridge and can't recognise a legend when he sees one."[21]

Discography

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Singles

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List of singles, with selected chart positions
Title Year Peak chart positions
AUS
[22]
"Up There Cazaly '91"
(as Louis the Lip)
1991 105

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Lou Richards (15 March 1923 – 8 May 2017) was an Australian rules footballer, media personality, and icon, renowned for his dynamic playing career and pioneering role in sports broadcasting. Born Lewis Thomas Charles Richards in the working-class suburb of Collingwood, , he debuted for the in the (VFL) at age 18 in 1941, following a family tradition of players. Over 15 seasons until his retirement in 1955, Richards played 250 games, kicked 423 goals as a tenacious , and represented Victoria on 3 occasions, including at the 1947 Interstate Carnival where he narrowly missed winning the Tassie Medal for best player. Appointed club captain from 1952 to 1955, he led to a drought-breaking premiership victory in 1953, cementing his status as one of the VFL's most influential figures during a transformative era for the sport. Transitioning seamlessly from the field, Richards became a trailblazing media personality, leveraging his charismatic, outspoken style—earning him the nickname "Louie the Lip"—to entertain audiences for decades. He wrote popular columns for newspapers including The Argus starting in , and later hosted radio programs on 3XY and 3DB, as well as television shows like World of Sport and League Teams. His humorous, irreverent commentary helped popularize beyond the sport's traditional heartlands, influencing generations of broadcasters and fans. Richards authored several books, including his Boots and All (1963), which captured his spirit and the rough-and-tumble world of mid-20th-century football. Richards' contributions were widely recognized, including induction into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 1996 and the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2008, alongside honors such as (MBE) in 1981, an Australian Sports Medal in 2000, and a in 2001. He passed away at age 94 in , leaving a legacy as a fierce competitor, entertainer, and ambassador who bridged the worlds of sport and media in Australian culture.

Early Life

Family Background

Lewis Thomas Charles Richards, known as Lou, was born on 15 March 1923 in Collingwood, Victoria. He grew up in the tough, working-class inner-city suburb of Collingwood during the Great Depression, an environment often described as an "alley cat" upbringing marked by resilience and street-level resourcefulness. This socio-economic backdrop, characterized by economic hardship and close-knit community ties in Melbourne's industrial heartland, shaped his early years and instilled a gritty determination that would define his character. Richards hailed from a prominent dynasty deeply embedded in Collingwood Football Club's history. He was the grandson of Charlie H. Pannam, a notable player and coach for the club in the early , who had Greek heritage originally from the Pannamopoulos family. His uncles, Charles E. Pannam and Alby Pannam, both played for Collingwood, with Alby featuring in 181 games between 1933 and 1945, including premierships in 1935 and 1936. Additionally, Richards' younger brother, Ron Richards, followed in the family tradition by playing 143 games for Collingwood from 1947 to 1956. This multi-generational involvement made the Richards-Pannam family one of the club's most storied lineages, spanning players, coaches, and captains across three generations. The family's legacy profoundly influenced Richards' lifelong passion for the from a young age. Surrounded by tales of his grandfather's and uncles' exploits on the field, he developed an early and unwavering allegiance to the , viewing the club as an extension of his identity and heritage. This foundational connection, forged in the backstreets of Collingwood, not only fueled his ambition to play but also embedded a sense of duty to uphold the family's footballing tradition.

Introduction to Football

Lou Richards began his involvement in during his school years, attending Lithgow Street State School and later Collingwood Technical School, where he demonstrated early talent as a forward pocket, notably kicking six goals in a match in 1935 that earned him a celebratory carry-off the ground. After leaving school, he played in local junior and sub-district competitions, including with Abbotsford in a now-defunct league, which he later described as the toughest football he encountered due to its physical intensity. While his family's storied Collingwood heritage—spanning his grandfather Charlie Pannam and uncles and Alby—provided initial inspiration, Richards developed his skills independently through these grassroots experiences, honing a tenacious style amid the working-class football culture of inner . In 1940, at age 17, Richards joined the Collingwood seconds (reserves) team, where he quickly impressed, earning a silver cup as the most consistent player and contributing to the side's premiership victory that season. His recruitment to the senior VFL level came the following year, amid , when Collingwood's roster was severely depleted by players enlisting in , creating opportunities for young talents like Richards from local districts such as Abbotsford. At 18, he prepared for his debut by training rigorously with the seniors, transitioning from reserves to the first team in a wartime context that shortened the VFL season and reduced overall competition quality due to enlistments and travel restrictions. Standing at 170 cm and weighing 76 kg, Richards embodied the agile, hard-nosed archetype, using his compact build for quick bursts in contested situations and effective ruck work around the forward line. His early challenges included adapting to the higher pace and scrutiny of VFL football during wartime disruptions, such as irregular fixtures and makeshift lineups, yet these conditions allowed him to establish himself rapidly despite the era's uncertainties.

Playing Career

Collingwood Debut and Development

Lou Richards made his (VFL) debut for Collingwood in round 6 of the 1941 season against Carlton at Victoria Park, at the age of 18. He quickly established himself as a regular in the senior side, playing primarily as a known for his fearless style and goal-scoring ability. Over his 15-year career with the from 1941 to 1955, Richards appeared in 250 games and kicked 423 goals. Richards had several standout seasons that highlighted his development into a key player for Collingwood. He topped the club's goalkicking tally in 1944 with 28 goals, again in 1948 with 44 goals, and in 1950 with 35 goals, demonstrating his opportunistic finishing around the goals. In 1947 and 1950, he finished as runner-up in the , Collingwood's award, underscoring his consistent performance and value to the team. His prowess earned him selection for Victoria, where he played three representative games, including appearances in the 1947 interstate carnival in , where he came close to winning the Tassie Medal as the best player. Richards also represented the state in 1948. Richards' career coincided with the post-World War II revival of the VFL, as returning servicemen bolstered club rosters and intensified the league's physical competitiveness. Debuting amid wartime disruptions that thinned player ranks, he adapted effectively to the renewed intensity, contributing to Collingwood's resurgence in a more robust era of the sport.

Captaincy and 1953 Premiership

In 1952, Lou Richards was appointed captain of the , a role he held for four seasons until the end of 1955. His marked a shift in his approach, evolving from a more critical style to one focused on encouragement, which helped foster team unity during a challenging period for the club. Under his , Collingwood reached the 1952 Grand Final but lost to , setting the stage for redemption the following year. The pinnacle of Richards' leadership came in the , where Collingwood defeated by 12 points, with a final score of 11.11 (77) to 8.17 (65). At 170 cm tall, Richards, playing as a , inspired his teammates through his tenacity and courage, despite his smaller stature compared to many opponents. He kicked one goal in the match and was instrumental in maintaining team morale amid 's strong challenge, leading Collingwood to its first premiership in 17 years. As a rover, Richards excelled in winning clearances from the ruck contests and setting up scoring opportunities, particularly in high-stakes games like the 1953 decider, where his quick positioning and ball-winning ability disrupted Geelong's momentum. His tactical acumen in these moments highlighted his value as captain, enabling forwards to capitalize on loose balls and maintain pressure. Richards retired at the end of the 1955 season at age 32, after playing 250 games for Collingwood. Reflecting on his tenure, he credited the strong camaraderie and mutual support within the team for their successes, noting how the group's dynamics evolved to emphasize collective resilience over individual stardom.

Post-Playing Career

Media and Broadcasting

Following his retirement from playing in 1955, Lou Richards quickly established himself in sports media, beginning with print journalism as a columnist for The Argus newspaper, where he provided expert commentary on Australian rules football. He soon transitioned to The Sun News-Pictorial (later the Herald Sun), writing provocative columns over more than three decades that earned him the enduring nickname "Louie the Lip" for his cheeky and outspoken style. His "Kiss of Death" feature became legendary, featuring bold match predictions accompanied by outrageous publicity stunts and dares he performed if his tips proved wrong, such as shaving his head or wrestling opponents, which captivated readers and boosted the paper's football coverage. Richards extended his media presence to radio in the mid-1950s, starting with commentary duties at 3XY before moving to 3DB, where he provided match calls and analysis from the late 1950s through the 1970s. His broadcasts at 3DB, often alongside figures like Bob Davis and Ron Casey, were known for their lively energy and unfiltered opinions, making football accessible to a broad audience during an era when radio remained a primary medium for live sports. He also part-owned the country station 3CV, further embedding his influence in regional broadcasting. Television became Richards' most prominent platform, spanning over 50 years and pioneering entertaining AFL commentary. He joined Channel 7 in 1959 as a panelist on League Teams and World of Sport, the latter a Sunday staple from 1959 to 1987 where his humorous banter with co-hosts and Bob Davis drew massive viewership and defined the show's success. In 1987, he shifted to Channel 9, contributing to Wide World of Sports and Sports Sunday, before becoming a beloved fixture on The Sunday Footy Show in the and early with his signature handball challenge segment, retiring from regular TV in 2008. Blending sharp insights from his playing days with irreverent wit, Richards' style made complex game analysis engaging and fun, often drawing on light-hearted anecdotes to connect with viewers. In a brief foray into music, Richards released the single "Up There Cazaly '91" in 1991 under the moniker Louie the Lip, a hip-hop reworking of the iconic that celebrated the sport's cultural spirit. His overall contributions helped popularize panel-style football discussions, transforming commentary from dry reporting into an entertaining that broadened the AFL's appeal to casual fans across .

Business and Public Roles

Following his retirement from playing in 1955, Lou Richards transitioned into the , managing several prominent hotels and pubs in Melbourne's suburbs during the 1950s and 1970s. He acquired the Phoenix Hotel on Flinders Street in 1957, a venue adjacent to the offices that became a popular gathering spot for journalists and football enthusiasts, capitalizing on his status as a Collingwood premiership to draw crowds and ensure commercial viability. Earlier in the decade, Richards served as licensee of the Town Hall Hotel on Errol Street in , where his reputation as a local sporting hero similarly boosted amid the competitive pub scene. These ventures highlighted his entrepreneurial acumen, as he leveraged his fame to sustain and grow businesses in an era when licensed venues were central to community social life. Richards also embraced public roles that extended his influence beyond commerce, notably as King of Moomba in 1981, a prestigious civic honor in that involved leading parades, community events, and celebrations during the annual . This appointment, paired with beauty queen Kim Formosa, underscored his enduring popularity and role as a beloved public figure, engaging thousands in festive activities that promoted 's cultural vibrancy. In football administration, Richards was offered the role of Collingwood's reserves coach in 1956 but declined to focus on his media career. He further supported the Australian Football League through promotional efforts, including appearances that amplified the sport's visibility, often drawing on his media presence to advocate for its growth. Throughout his later years, Richards maintained strong charitable and community ties to Collingwood, informally supporting club initiatives such as youth programs and fan events through personal endorsements and time donations, reflecting his lifelong commitment to the team without formal organizational leadership. These efforts, combined with his MBE award in 1981 for services to , cemented his legacy as a multifaceted contributor to Melbourne's sporting and social fabric.

Honours and Recognition

Individual Awards

During his playing career with Collingwood, Lou Richards achieved notable individual recognition for his on-field performance. He won the club's leading goalkicker award in 1944, booting 26 goals in 18 games during a season where Collingwood finished near the bottom of the ladder. He repeated this feat in 1948, topping the club's goal tally with 44 goals across 21 matches, and again in 1950 with 35 goals in 18 games, showcasing his versatility as a and forward. Richards also finished as runner-up in the , Collingwood's award, in both 1947 and 1950, reflecting his consistent excellence amid the team's competitive challenges. Post-retirement, Richards received several honors acknowledging his contributions to Australian football through playing and media. In 1975, he was named Football Personality of the Year, an award that highlighted his influential role in and promoting the sport. He was appointed a Member of the (MBE) in 1981 for services to Australian football, recognizing his lifelong dedication as a player, captain, and commentator. In the early 2000s, Richards was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in 2000 and the in 2001, both honoring his significant sporting achievements and contributions to the nation's football heritage. Later in his career, the AFL presented him with the inaugural John Kennedy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014, celebrating his enduring impact on the game as a premiership captain and media icon.

Hall of Fame and Memorials

Lou Richards' contributions to Australian football were formally recognized through his induction into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 1996 as one of the inaugural members, honoring his role as a and influential for Collingwood. This induction highlighted his on-field achievements, including leading Collingwood to the 1953 premiership, which solidified his status as a pivotal figure in the sport's history. In 2008, Richards received broader acclaim with his induction into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, acknowledging his impact not only in football but also in media and , extending his legacy beyond the playing field. This honor reflected his multifaceted influence on Australian sport to his post-career broadcasting career that popularized the game. Physical memorials further cemented Richards' enduring presence in Australian football. In 2014, a bronze statue depicting him in his characteristic playing pose was unveiled at Collingwood's headquarters at Olympic Park, serving as a tribute to his leadership and flair on the field. Earlier, in 1982, the National Trust of Australia classified Richards as a "living treasure," a rare designation underscoring his cultural significance and protecting his legacy against the passage of time. Richards' family legacy continues through his great-nephew, Ed Richards, a professional player for the since 2018, who carries forward the dynasty established by Lou and his brother Ron Richards. This connection exemplifies the intergenerational impact of Richards' involvement in the sport.

Personal Life and Death

Marriage and Family

Lou Richards married Edna Lillian Bowie in 1948 after meeting her at a Saturday night dance at Collingwood Town Hall, a popular social gathering spot in Melbourne's inner suburbs. Their endured for 60 years, marked by mutual devotion and support, until Edna's death in 2008 at the age of 87. The couple had two daughters, Kim and Nicole, who grew up in the family's homes in Melbourne's suburbs, initially near Collingwood where Richards' parents resided, and later in a Toorak apartment purchased in the 1970s. Neither daughter pursued a professional career in , though the family remained closely connected to the Collingwood community through ongoing support and involvement in club events. Kim and Nicole played key roles in family tributes following Richards' retirement, including speaking at public memorials that highlighted his . Throughout his high-profile career in football and media, Richards prioritized private family life, with Edna providing steadfast support behind the scenes while the family maintained a low-key presence amid his public persona.

Final Years and Passing

In the late 2000s, as advancing age took its toll, Lou Richards began scaling back his longstanding media commitments, limiting himself to occasional cameo appearances on programs like The Sunday Footy Show. By 2008, he retired from hosting the show's popular handball segment, a role he had held for decades, and in 2009, he formally ended his long involvement in broadcasting due to declining health. This marked a significant reduction in his public life, allowing him to focus on personal matters amid growing frailty. Richards' health deteriorated further in his later years with a diagnosis of , prompting his daughters, Nicole and Kim, to arrange full-time care for him. He took up residence in a in Melbourne's Windsor suburb, where he spent his remaining time under professional supervision. Despite the challenges of his condition, Richards maintained a positive demeanor, remaining lucid at intervals and engaging in light-hearted banter with family and visitors, never showing resentment toward his circumstances. On 8 May 2017, Richards died peacefully at the age of 94 in the Windsor nursing home from dementia-related complications, passing at 2:30 p.m. with a calm, thin-lipped smile and a final deep breath. His issued a private announcement of his death, emphasizing their intimate grieving process and the profound personal loss of a devoted father and grandfather who had always prioritized above all else.

State Funeral and Tributes

Following his death on 8 May 2017, the Victorian government offered Lou Richards' family a , which was accepted and held on 17 May 2017 at in . The service drew thousands of attendees, including an overflow crowd at nearby , with prominent figures such as AFL CEO , legends Ron Barassi and Kevin Sheedy, Collingwood president , coach , and former players like and joining family, fans, and government representatives including Deputy Premier . A was formed by Collingwood players as the casket was carried out to Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York," passing a statue of Richards at the club's Holden Centre en route. Eulogies at the service highlighted Richards' charismatic "Louie the Lip" persona, his pioneering role in football media, and his unwavering loyalty to Collingwood. Daughter Nicole Morrison spoke of his joyful fatherhood and family lessons, while grandson Ned Morrison reflected on his grandfather's enduring influence. invoked Rudyard Kipling's "If—" to praise Richards' resilience and character, and media colleague Tony Jones shared humorous anecdotes underscoring his innovative broadcasting style. Ron Joseph, a longtime friend, declared Richards "bigger than a legend" for his broad impact across football and . Immediate tributes in 2017 poured in from the AFL, Collingwood, media outlets, and fans, emphasizing Richards as a trailblazing pioneer. AFL CEO issued a statement lauding his work ethic, originality, and love for the game, extending condolences to all affected by his life. Collingwood president delivered an emotional tribute outside the club's Holden Centre, mourning the loss of a club icon and inviting fans to share memories via official channels. Media retrospectives, including those from ABC News and , celebrated him as a innovator who bridged playing and eras, while supporters sent thousands of messages to the club recounting his entertaining commentary and premiership leadership. Richards' legacy has continued to be honored by Collingwood through annual remembrances at club events. The , recognizing media contributions to Australian football, continues to be awarded annually, with receiving it in 2025.

References

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