Sam Lalor will inherit the iconic number 4 guernsey from Dustin Martin for the 2026 season
Photo: Richmond Football ClubA New Chapter for Richmond's Famous Number 4
Raylene Easton
16 February, 2026Passing the Torch
The No. 4 guernsey has been worn by some of the greatest players in Richmond's history, and now it passes to an exciting new custodian — Sam Lalor. Richmond confirmed that Lalor, 19, will switch from number 22 to the iconic number 4 for the 2026 season, a number he wore throughout his junior football with GWV Rebels in the Coates Talent League.
A Remarkable History
The history behind the jumper is remarkable. Richmond 'Immortal' Royce Hart wore it across 187 games from 1967 to 1977, captaining the Tigers to back-to-back premierships in 1973–74 and playing in four flags overall. Hart was named centre half-forward in Richmond's Team of the Century and remains one of just six Tiger Immortals. Triple Jack Dyer Medallist Geoff Raines carried the number from 1978–82 and was a pivotal player in the all-conquering 1980 premiership season. Craig Lambert won a Jack Dyer Medal wearing it in 1991, while Matthew Rogers was a quiet achiever across 197 games in the number from 1994 to 2004.
The Dusty Era
And then, of course, there was Dustin Martin — three-time premiership player, triple Norm Smith Medallist, Brownlow Medallist and dual Jack Dyer Medallist across 302 games from 2010 to 2024. Martin gave the number a whole new meaning through Richmond's drought-breaking 2017 flag and the golden era that followed, before retiring in August 2024 as one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.
The Complete Number 4 Legacy
Players to have worn the No. 4 guernsey (50+ games):
Hughie James – 74 games, 1919–1923
Norm McIntosh – 78 games, 1920–1924
Maurie Sheahan – 121 games, 1929–1936
Dave Cuzens – 69 games, 1957–1961
Royce Hart – 187 games, 1967–1977
Geoff Raines – 109 games, 1978–1982
Mark Eustice – 56 games, 1985–1987
Craig Lambert – 102 games, 1989–1993
Matthew Rogers – 197 games, 1994–2004
Andrew Raines – 55 games, 2005–2009
Dustin Martin – 302 games, 2010–2024
Sam Lalor – 2026–
Earning the Right
Lalor earned the right to inherit the number after an impressive debut season that saw him win the Bill Cosgrove/Harry Jenkins Medal as Richmond's best first-year player, despite missing 12 games. He averaged 13 disposals and 1.1 goals from his 10 completed matches, including a standout debut of 18 disposals and two goals in front of 80,000 fans against Carlton, and 24 touches with two majors against eventual premiers Brisbane.
A Massive Honour
Speaking about the honour, Lalor said: 'There is some great number four history within the Club. I wore it as a kid growing up and can't wait to wear it for the first time. I look up to him [Martin] a lot, obviously try to base my game off him a fair bit, and he had such an impact at Richmond. Hopefully, I can try and play a bit like him. It is a massive honour to wear his number.' The Tiger Army will be watching with excitement as Lalor writes the next chapter for this famous guernsey in 2026. Go Tiges!