Richo to play on for a final goal
By JON RALPH
Herald-Sun
15jan06
RICHMOND spearhead Matthew Richardson is determined to play finals this year, then sign another contract that could see him extend his career until 2009.
In career-best form last year and injury-free over the pre-season, Richardson said he was primed to replicate the deeds of last year, in which he played every game and kicked 65 goals to jump to third on the Tigers' all-time goalkicking tally.
Richardson turns 31 on March 19 and said the lure of success for the Tigers meant he had no plans to retire.
"I have this year to go on a contract, then I would like to sign another one after that," he said.
"It depends how I play, but I would like to get another three or four years out of myself. With the young players here it would be a great opportunity to (win a flag). Time is running out. You realise that once you get to 30."
He hopes his tally of 65 goals to take him to 645 career majors can be eclipsed, but he is prepared to share the wealth if it advances Richmond's finals aspirations.
"As a forward you look to kick 60 to 80 goals, so somewhere in that range I would be happy with, but it is not about one player kicking goals," he said.
"These days you need four or five guys kicking over 30 goals to be successful.
"Just looking at last year, we won 10 games, so if we didn't do that it would be a bit disappointing.
"We are always looking to improve, and if we only make a small improvement that has you right there hovering around the final eight, so we are looking for that to be a natural progression. We are definitely looking to play finals."
Richardson also expects Nathan Brown to be fit for Round 1 after recovering from a broken leg.
"I am pretty sure 'Browny' will be right for Round 1," he said.
"He is doing just about everything now, so I think he will be starting the first half of the year in the forward line, then in the second half of the year we will get him on to the ball."
Richmond's list yesterday completed the Danger 1000 Ocean Swim at Torquay as part of their varied preparation for this season. Ruckman Trent Knobel led all comers in 16.30min, followed by Joel Bowden, brother Patrick, and Greg Stafford.
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,17822611%255E11088,00.html
