But Jeff Morgan had the opportunity to see the football showman in person and the moment was immortalised by a Border Mail photographer in 1983.

The Magpies fan, who was then in grade six at Albury North Public School, was rapt to meet Richards, who was on a promotional visit to Lavington Square.  

“He was fantastic with all the kids, he was a great man,” Mr Morgan said.

He recalled The Border Mail photographer plucked him from the crowd for the picture.

“They wanted a photo and they said ‘come here young fella’ and he was just like he was on tele, joking around,” Mr Morgan said.

“I was just the close one and they wanted someone for The Border Mail.”

Mr Morgan still has the Magpies scarf and long-sleeved VFL Collingwood jumper which he wore in the image with Richards.

But sadly the magazine, apparently being signed by Richards in the photograph, was only a prop and Mr Morgan did not end up with an autograph.

Nevertheless Mr Morgan treasures the moment.

“It’s a special photo,” the 46 year-old said.

The original clipping of the article remains at the home of his parents Max and Stephanie Morgan.

“Dad’s pretty mad about Collingwood, mum goes for Essendon,” Jeff Morgan said.

When he met Richards, Morgan was playing little league football for the Lavington Browns.

He went on to play junior football for North Albury and senior matches for Jindera, Walla, Thurgoona and Border-Walwa, the latter wear black and white stripes.

Now a Cleanaway garbage truck driver, Mr Morgan was moved when he learned Richards had died on Monday.

“I got quite emotional listening to (Collingwood president) Eddie McGuire and the football guys,” Mr Morgan said.

“He was a fair dinkum great Australian guy with his loyalty and love of sport.

“It was very sad, being a Collingwood supporter.”

Mr Morgan, a father to Abby, 9, who decided to follow Richmond over Collingwood, supports the state funeral for Richards.

Richards’ daughter Nicole Morrison said her dad would have thought it a great honour to have a state funeral.