RICHMOND director Emmett Dunne says his football knowledge and feel for the game make him an important member of the club's board as he bids for election this month.
Dunne, who was a member of the Tigers' 1980 premiership team, was appointed to the club's board in August but needs to be elected by the members to continue.
Following the departure of former captain and club champion Tony Free, Dunne is one of only two past players on the club's board alongside executive director Brendon Gale.
"Football boards obviously need directors with knowledge and a feel for the game," Dunne told the club's website.
"The board has relied upon Brendon Gale and Tony Free in this regard, however, with Tony’s recent resignation, my input is now more important in assisting the Club to achieve on-field success.
"My membership of the Tribunal ensured that I maintained a contemporary understanding of the game, as it evolved over the years to where it is today."
Dunne is seeking re-election alongside incumbent director Kerry Ryan, while lawyer Simon Wallace and businessman Peter Casey have also nominated separately to fill the two available positions.
Casey's challenge reignites board battle
The board selected president Peggy O'Neal as its 'nominated director' ahead of this year's elections, meaning she is automatically able to serve a fresh three-year term.
Dunne played 115 games for the Tigers, joining the Western Bulldogs for two seasons before retiring at the end of 1985.
He coached the Tigers' reserves, had a stint as the senior team's ruck coach and spent two decades serving on the AFL Tribunal before standing down in August.
He retired from Victoria Police in August 2015 after a career spanning nearly 40 years, rising to the rank of assistant commissioner.
He said his contribution to the club and board was to "trust and support our staff, but to also continually test and validate their assumptions".
Fellow director Ryan, a commercial lawyer who has just completed her first three-year term, is also up for election and said she was proud of her achievements since replacing Gary March in 2013.
"In my opinion, success is about good people, good processes, and always striving to improve," Ryan said.
"I'm passionate about our mission to bring premierships home to Punt Road – and I want this for all our supporters.
"I also believe a diversity of perspectives on the Richmond board is important, and that I add to that diversity."
The Richmond election is taking place electronically and closes on Friday, December 9.
The results will be unveiled at the club's annual general meeting on December 14.
