Dale Weightman (born 3 October 1959) is a former Australian rules footballer who played for the Richmond Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). Affectionately known as 'The Flea', Weightman was recognized as one of the finest rovers of his era, with his aggression, courage, evasive skills and constructive handpassing being key features of his play. He experienced success at the beginning of his playing career, but won respect at Richmond for staying loyal to the club during their crisis period in the late 1980s. He also represented Victoria with distinction in interstate matches. Weightman also became the last remaining player born in the 1950s to have played in the VFL/AFL, his last game being the final round of the 1993 season. Weightman's achievements in the game for both club and state were recognized when he was named in Richmond's Team of the Century and Hall of Fame, and in 2001 as a member of the Australian Football Hall of Fame. Early Years Weightman is one of six children born to Brian "Reggie" Weightman and his first wife Maureen, and has three brothers and two sisters. Brian (who died in 2020) was a local sporting icon, excelling in Australian rules football and cricket. He played 289 games with the Mildura Imperials in the Sunraysia Football League, winning six club best and fairests and playing in four premierships. He later coached various junior football teams and was recognized for his service to various local sporting associations with life membership. Weightman would follow in his father's footsteps at the Imperials, playing for the junior teams and winning competition best and fairest awards at under 15 and under 17 level, as well as three consecutive premierships. At this time, the north west of Victoria was zoned exclusively to Richmond. The Tigers relocated Weightman to Melbourne in 1977, when he was 17. He enrolled at Melbourne High School and played for the school team, which won the schoolboy "Herald Shield". These matches were played as curtain raisers to the VFL's Tuesday night series games. Weightman first came under notice in this series. Meanwhile, on Saturdays, he turned out for the Tigers' under 19 side, and played as first rover in the team's victory against Fitzroy in the Grand Final. Senior Football Career Weightman was selected for his senior debut in the opening round of 1978 against arch-rivals at the MCG, along with John