A bit more from Lids' interview on 3aw tonight ....
Deledio 'never going to leave'By Nick Bowen and Luke Holmesby
afl.com.au
7:35 PM Tue 27 Mar, 2012BRETT Deledio never really considered leaving Richmond and signed his new five-year contract with the intention of remaining a Tiger for life.
The star Tiger also said he had put off signing until knowing whether coach Damien Hardwick would continue with the club beyond this year.
Deledio, who turns 25 next month, was set to become a restricted free agent when he came out of contract at the end of 2012, his eighth season at Punt Road.
But Deledio told 3AW that he had instructed his manager not to tell him about any approaches from other clubs.
"I said to my manager I don't really want to know about ... what's going on," Deledio said.
"I was a Tiger and I always said I wanted to stay with the 'Tiges'. Obviously I was rapt to be given the five years, but I suppose the hard work starts now."
He also revealed he waited until he knew of Hardwick's future before re-committing to the Tigers. Richmond removed any potential roadblock when it re-signed Hardwick until the end of 2014 two weeks ago.
"I wanted to find out what was going to happen with 'Dimma' (Hardwick) because he's been fantastic since coming in and it's a hard thing changing coaches all the time," Deledio said.
"To have him leave after three good years would have made it hard and stressful again but (I'm) rapt that he's signed on and only too happy to play under him again."
Deledio denied signing for five years would put added pressure on him to perform, saying he and his manager had settled on the long-term deal after deciding that if he was going to re-sign he "may as well stay on and be a Tiger for life."
Deledio also said he would put his hand up to become Richmond captain when current skipper Chris Newman eventually steps down from the role.
He admitted he had previously not coveted the role, wary of taking on the added responsibility and pressure that comes with it. But the 2004 No.1 draft pick said he had learnt to cope better with football pressures as he had matured.
"I certainly won't shy away from putting my hand up for it once Chris (Newman) gives it up," Deledio said.
Deledio made an instant impact with the Tigers after he was drafted with the first pick at the 2004 national draft, winning the following year's rising star award.
He won back-to-back club best and fairest awards in 2008 and 2009. In 2011 he finished runner-up to Trent Cotchin.
After playing his 150th game in the final match of 2011, Deledio was made a life member of the Tigers despite being only 24 years old.
Deledio has missed just four games in his seven-season League career, with the last being in Round 18 of the 2007 season.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/131488/default.aspx
