#3: Richie Vandenberg
The stats
Draft: Round 6 Pick #78, 1997
Position: Midfielder
AFL games: 145
Goals: 64
Premierships: 0
Review
Coming in at #3 is former Hawks captain Richie Vandenberg.
Hailing from Melbourne University Blues, Vandenberg was selected with pick #78 in the 1997 National draft.
In 1998 he made his debut for the Hawks at 21 years of age during Round 17 against Port Adelaide.
Vandenberg came into the side as a compact midfielder with an aggressive form of play, consistently leading in disposals for majority of games played. Reaching 178cm, he was dominant in tackles and ruthless on the field.
His authentic approach to football was acknowledge by coach Alistair Clarkson as Vandenberg was appointed skipper after Shane Crawford stepped down at the end of the 2004 season.
Captaining the side for three years, Vandenberg decided to call it a day at the end of 2007 following a season spoiled by amounting injuries.
In 2016 Vandenberg was appointed as a director to the board of Hawthorn Football Club in conjunction with his work as CEO of Limestone Coast Wines.
Top 10 Countdown:
#10: Simon Taylor
#9: Kris Barlow
#8: Shane Savage
#7: Jade Rawlings
#6: Rayden Tallis
#5: Nathan Thompson
#4: Ben Dixon
