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Richo
- Thread starter rockstar_tiger
- Start date
Richo Retires
By Tony Greenberg 6:23 PM Thu 12 November, 2009
Matthew Richardson, a veteran of 282 games in a magnificent 17-season career with Richmond from 1993-09, has announced his retirement from AFL football.
The 34-year-old, who tore his hamstring tendon back in May, had resumed light pre-season training with the Club, but hadn’t made a definite commitment to go on in 2010.
“I wanted to see how I pulled up after a few weeks of training before I made a final decision, but the hamstring is just not good,” Richardson said.
“It hasn’t felt right when I’ve been running and the medical prognosis with it isn’t positive.
“So, weighing everything up, it is definitely the right time for me to retire.
“I didn’t want to spend the last couple of years of my career riddled with injury.”
‘Richo’ will go down in the Club’s history as one of the greatest Tigers of them all.
Among the numerous honors he achieved throughout his career were:
• Winner of Richmond’s Leading Goalkicker award 13 times.
• Second place on the Tigers’ all-time goalkicking list, with 800 goals.
• Winner of the Club’s Best and Fairest award in 2007.
• Three-time All-Australian representative.
• Member of Richmond’s Team of the Century.
Richo’s on-field trademarks were his amazing athleticism, courage and superb marking prowess.
It’s doubtful if there has ever been a more popular Richmond player, with Tiger supporters loving Richo’s exciting playing style and his strong emotional connection to the Club.
That passion for the Yellow and Black made it even harder for Richo to finally call time on his league career, however, he is comfortable with the decision that’s now been made.
“It’s never easy walking away from something that you’ve loved doing for so long, but I consider myself fortunate to have played at such a great club as Richmond in front of such wonderfully, loyal, passionate supporters. There are so many memories from my time at Tigerland that I will cherish,” he said.
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/6301/newsid/86995/default.aspx
By Tony Greenberg 6:23 PM Thu 12 November, 2009
Matthew Richardson, a veteran of 282 games in a magnificent 17-season career with Richmond from 1993-09, has announced his retirement from AFL football.
The 34-year-old, who tore his hamstring tendon back in May, had resumed light pre-season training with the Club, but hadn’t made a definite commitment to go on in 2010.
“I wanted to see how I pulled up after a few weeks of training before I made a final decision, but the hamstring is just not good,” Richardson said.
“It hasn’t felt right when I’ve been running and the medical prognosis with it isn’t positive.
“So, weighing everything up, it is definitely the right time for me to retire.
“I didn’t want to spend the last couple of years of my career riddled with injury.”
‘Richo’ will go down in the Club’s history as one of the greatest Tigers of them all.
Among the numerous honors he achieved throughout his career were:
• Winner of Richmond’s Leading Goalkicker award 13 times.
• Second place on the Tigers’ all-time goalkicking list, with 800 goals.
• Winner of the Club’s Best and Fairest award in 2007.
• Three-time All-Australian representative.
• Member of Richmond’s Team of the Century.
Richo’s on-field trademarks were his amazing athleticism, courage and superb marking prowess.
It’s doubtful if there has ever been a more popular Richmond player, with Tiger supporters loving Richo’s exciting playing style and his strong emotional connection to the Club.
That passion for the Yellow and Black made it even harder for Richo to finally call time on his league career, however, he is comfortable with the decision that’s now been made.
“It’s never easy walking away from something that you’ve loved doing for so long, but I consider myself fortunate to have played at such a great club as Richmond in front of such wonderfully, loyal, passionate supporters. There are so many memories from my time at Tigerland that I will cherish,” he said.
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/6301/newsid/86995/default.aspx
The only good thing about him retiring now is that I won't cry in public like I would have if I was attending his last game
Col.W.Kurtz said:
Too true Colonel. He saved an increase of black glasses to be worn at his last game. Would've looked like a funeral.
But could still be the emotion in Rd 1 next year.
He leaves of his own accord and at his timing, however much we'd have rathered round 22 this year
No ridicule for breaking down mid year.
Adieu, Champion :'(
No ridicule for breaking down mid year.
Adieu, Champion :'(
I can safely say I have enjoyed watching Richo play as much as I have enjoyed watching Richmond play over the course of his career. He is a Tiger legend and its a sad day.
Good to hear the respect pouring out from opposition supporters - really glad he became a much respected player in the eyes of all supporters, which wasn't always the case. His unique combination of passion and humility eventually won them over. Not to mention a fair amount of football ability.
The game loses another great onfield personality, doubt we will see his like again, just hope the AFL arranges an appropriate send off
The game loses another great onfield personality, doubt we will see his like again, just hope the AFL arranges an appropriate send off
The average team age drops anothe 12 months!!!!
It was a crazy idea to take a 33 year old KPP with a history of hamstring tightness and make him into a mid fielder.
How would anyone expect him to survive this transition without breaking down.
He lasted less than 20 games since the switch was made and now is lost to the game.
This was always going to end in tears, and it has for me.
It was a crazy idea to take a 33 year old KPP with a history of hamstring tightness and make him into a mid fielder.
How would anyone expect him to survive this transition without breaking down.
He lasted less than 20 games since the switch was made and now is lost to the game.
This was always going to end in tears, and it has for me.
What a privledge its been to support the team who was lucky enough to him play for them, not a more exciting, unpredictable, athletic, amazingly talented man has pulled on the boots at Punt Rd, Geez you always thought we may fluke a win when going to the footy if Richo was playing......Could not have hoped for any other player at Richmond....
THANKS BIG FELLA
:beer :beer :beer :beer :beer :beer :beer
Many stories will start to be told, however I think a classic example of Richo is the fact he was always last man to leave when an autograph, photo or a chat with a young cub was on.....
Hope this thread stays about the man himself and not about others self indulgence
THANKS BIG FELLA
:beer :beer :beer :beer :beer :beer :beer
Many stories will start to be told, however I think a classic example of Richo is the fact he was always last man to leave when an autograph, photo or a chat with a young cub was on.....
Hope this thread stays about the man himself and not about others self indulgence
billyb#40 said:
Mmm...I disagree. I really enjoyed his move to the wing. Freed him up and showed what he was really capable of when unleashed all over the field. Jeez how long did people expect him to play for? 34! That's freakish in itself.
*smile*! I'll miss you big fella. Thanks for all the memories. You were the reason why I went to the footy.
