Richo "has possibly two more seasons left in the tank" (Mercury)

[one-eyed]

Tiger wants us in big league
Adam Smith | Mercury |September 19, 2008

THE chances of seeing it during his playing days are extremely unlikely, but Matthew Richardson is adamant his home state deserves a side in the AFL.

Richmond's superstar re-invented himself as a tall utility this season with the sentimental Brownlow medal favourite relishing being able to roam free across the ground.

He finished third behind young gun Brett Deledio and Shane Tuck for the Jack Dyer medal, capping an outstanding year with his third All-Australian selection on Monday night.

At 33 the 276-game veteran has possibly two more seasons left in the tank, but he said there would be nothing better than watching a Tasmanian team mixing it with the best once he has retired.

Richardson was swamped by hundreds of Tigers supporters in the Elizabeth St mall yesterday, all eager to get an autograph and photo with one of the state's most successful AFL exports.

He told the crowd Tasmania was more worthy of a side than West Sydney -- where the AFL has earmarked the 18th licence -- especially after less than 20,000 people rolled out to ANZ stadium to watch the Sydney-North Melbourne final two weeks ago.

The campaign for a Tasmanian AFL team was started by the Mercury in March and has since attracted the support of the government, former football identities, confectionary giant Mars and MyState Financial.

"There has been heaps about it in Melbourne with Mars getting behind it with the Believe bar, there has been publicity in the Herald Sun too," Richardson said.

"Everyone in Melbourne is fully aware Tassie wants a team and a lot of people over there reckon we should have one.

"I do, but the AFL has other priorities. We've got the hard yards in front of us but I think we definitely deserve it and I hope it does happen."

Richardson is also an advocate for the State League next season.

He was drafted to the Tigers from Devonport in 1992 and still keeps a keen eye on how his former club is travelling.

http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,24369960-13222,00.html

[one-eyed]

As popular as ever too 



More pics here: http://www.news.com.au/mercury/gallery/0,22927,5034578-5015646-4,00.html

[Mr Magic]

Possibly.
Only an injury away from it being his last year too.
Enjoy it whilst we can. 

[mightytiges]

Richo would get to 300 if he is able to play 2 more seasons. Only 24 games to go  . As you say Magic it all depends on where he cops an injury or not.

[Ox]

Richo looks like the tallest man in the world thanks to the angle in this shot.

[Hellenic Tiger]

Could get there next year if he plays every match and we play 2 finals

Hopefully he can get to 320 or even 340 if we are lucky. Its only 3 seasons.

[Smokey]

Check out the size of the crowd to see one player from a club that doesn't associate with their state at a non-footy venue!  And the best part is most appear to be young Tigers.