Tall, mobile ruckman recruited from Traralgon, Dear played in the 1986, 
'88 and '89 premiership sides. Missed the 1991 triumph because of a
serious knee injury. His career at Hawthorn meandered after the knee
operation that forced him out of the 1991 finals. He was the victim of the
cash squeeze at Hawthorn that forced out Ayres and Brereton. In his
last year, 1996, he still made a contribution and was able to nullify 
opposition rucks. He had revived his career at Punt Road and when he
was the most experienced player on the list, which carried extra respon-
sibility. In 1995 he was vital component in the Tigers' final campaign. 

Russell Holmesby, Jim Main,
The Encyclopidia of AFL Footballers
Every Richmond AFL Player Ever
(BAS Publishing 2004)