Darren Gaspar
By Chris Greenway

Gas was the number 1 draft pick of his year; he caused a stir before he ever played a senior game because he made demands before he was drafted. He would not play for either Sydney or Brisbane and any club that drafted him would pay him $100,000 a year for the privilege. This was knocked on the head straight away. You go to whoever picks you or you don't play at all. You get what they decide you're worth and you're glad of it. If you're good enough you can start renegotiating contracts later on. Two things were discovered about Gaspar in his 2 year stint at Sydney. He was a very good defender and a shocking kick. At the end of that he put himself on the market. Put a high price on his head too. The two most interested clubs were Melbourne and Richmond, however the Demons didn't have the money. Richmond did. His first couple of years were developers and despite the constant barrage of criticism from his old Sydney coach; Ron Barassi, his kicking did improve. It's not great and never will be, but it's a damn sight better than Barassi claims. In 2000 and 2001 under the tutelage of a great old defender in Danny 'Spud' Frawley Gas improved out of sight and made all Australian and the Tigers built their backline around him. After a contract dispute at the end of 2001 saw him become the highest paid Richmond player in 2002 Gaspar put in a shocker. Personally I think niggling injury and lack of decent personnel around him contributed to that. This year he has been one of the league's best defenders and has all Australian written all over him. He has not been beaten once. Then on Friday night with 3 minutes to go he did the ACL and is going to be out at least until next season. He's not replaceable. Our defence is shot and I also think so is season 2003. That more than anything shows his importance and worth to the club.