Recieved life membership in 2001.
Michael Richardson joined Ainslie as a junior in 1984 and would continue to play until 1999. During that time he participated in multiple premierships, player on the ACT representative team multiple years running and was a consistent presence on the field. His tall stature making him the star ruck-man for many years, though some injuries early on in his career necessitated stepping back form the limelight for some time to recover.
This did not stop him from continuing to be a key player for Ainslie for over 200 games, 197 in the First Grade and 29 Reserve Grade games. Michael was initially a Rugby convert, having started his sporting career as a union player for the Norths and a league player for the Canberra Tigers. The switch to AFL came courtesy of then committee member Trevor Lond who swayed Michael away to Ainslie and AFL; a decision Michael stated he never regretted.