Adam Pattison not bitter at Richmond Tigers after move to St Kilda Sam Edmund | Herald Sun December 10, 2009 THE way Adam Pattison describes it, he wasn't himself last year.
The ruck-forward, a No. 16 draft pick in 2004, was plagued by injury and managed only eight games in a Richmond side that finished 15th.
It was a year to forget, and one new Tigers coach Damien Hardwick quickly did, delisting Pattison 61 games into a career that once held great promise.
But Pattison holds no grudges towards his former club after St Kilda extended the olive branch in last month's national draft.
"I don't want to be bitter towards Richmond. I had a few problems with my body last year that I needed surgery on and I played a little bit injured throughout the year," Pattison said.
"I had hip and ankle issues and had some post-season surgery, but now I'm feeling as fit and strong as I ever have and I'm 23 and I think my best footy is ahead of me.
"I'm just looking forward to the opportunity at St Kilda and starting a new chapter."
Pattison stayed positive when it came to his second chance prospects, certain a torturous 2009 season would not be his last.
"You get a little bit nervous (about not getting picked up), but I was pretty confident within myself because I knew that just wasn't me this year," he said.
"I'll be a different player next year."
Pattison will compete for a ruck spot at the Saints with experienced duo, and fellow recycled big men, Michael Gardiner and Steven King.
Coach Ross Lyon said Pattison came with all the requirements needed to succeed at Moorabbin.
"He's got great mobility, competes really well, he's 197cm ... and he's played well against the Saints," Lyon said.
"He's also got great character and work ethic and we know talent only gets you so far. You've got to have those attributes, particularly in the ruck, which is a really demanding position."
Pattison said he had been buoyed by St Kilda's strike rate when it came to taking a chance on recycled players.
Zac Dawson, Adam Schneider, Sean Dempster, Farren Ray and King and Gardiner have all gone before him.
"It's definitely encouraging. They've had some good history with guys coming from other clubs and guys with problems injury-wise," he said.
"I'm just happy to get in and work hard and earn the respect and, if I'm lucky enough to play, that would be great."
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