Benalla’s Ritchie ‘Tank’ Castles recognised by O&MFNL

Castles debuted for Benalla in 1957 at the age of 17, but a car accident forced him on to the sidelines the following year before he returned to make the back pocket his own in a team on the rise.

He won Benalla’s best and fairest in 1960 and spent the following year playing alongside his uncle Dick Reynolds at West Torrens in the SANFL.

Upon his return, Castles played in Benalla’s back-to-back flags in 1962 and 1963 under former Fitzroy player Vin Williams.

Castles was among the Demons’ best in the 1963 triumph over Corowa when they kicked eight goals to nil in the final quarter to cruise to the flag.

Castles was picked in the Ovens and Murray Team of the Century in the back pocket.

Castles was inducted alongside Anthony Pasquali of Wangaratta Rovers, Matt Fowler of Albury and Daniel Leslie, who played for North Albury.