Robert John WILEY

PLAYER: 1974-1988

GAMES: 307: Perth 178; Richmond 95; West Coast 18; WA 14; Victoria 2

PREMIERSHIPS: Perth 1976-77, Richmond 1980.

HONOURS: Perth fairest and best 1974-78, 84-86; All-Australian 1984, 86; Runner up Richmond best and fairest 1980; Perth captain 1985-86, captain-coach 1988, coach 1989; West Coast Assistant Coach 1992-2004

Richmond and Perth have struggled to satisfy their supporters in recent years but they had plenty to cheer about in the 1970s and 1980s when Robert Wiley was at his peak.  The goal kicking rover started his career at Perth in 1974 and was named the competition’s best first year player.  He kicked eight goals in his second game and quickly became the outstanding rover in the competition.  A recruiting coup for Richmond in 1979, he struggled with hamstring injuries in his debut year but became one of the Tigers best players in 1980, kicking three goals in the winning grand final against Collingwood.  A unique record at Perth where he won the club’s fairest and best eight times, in each of the full seasons he played at the club. He returned to Perth in 1984 while still at his peak. 

Richmond premiership coach Tony Jewell rated Wiley alongside champion Tigers rovers Kevin Bartlett and Dale Weightman.  As Wiley neared the end of his playing days in 1987, coaching legend John Todd said: “He has always had that quality that put him above the ranks of the very good player into the elite group of the champions.  The only thing he hasn’t done is win a Sandover Medal and in my opinion, he should have two of those on his mantelpiece.”