Richo, Tigers turn up the heat
richmondfc.com.au
By Mic Cullen
4:22 PM Wed 14 January, 2009
IF RICHMOND'S Brett Deledio had his way, veteran teammate Matthew Richardson would finish his career by contending for the AFL games record.
Richardson, 33, had a stellar 2007, capping it with fourth place in the Brownlow Medal count.
The big forward is looking good again this year, training as well as anyone in the heat and providing plenty of inspiration to his younger compatriots.
Deledio said he was amazed by Richardson’s output.
"He’s flying isn’t he? He never seems to be able to stop," Deledio said after training on Wednesday.
"He just keeps going and going, doesn’t he? I reckon he’ll play until he’s 40 and that’s a good thing for us. He’s such a weapon."
But according to Deledio, last year's Jack Dyer Medallist, Richardson isn't the only player powering through the pre-season preparations at Tigerland.
"It’s been a step up again – most years you build and try to get a bit better every year," he said.
"We haven’t been playing as many little practice matches and that sort of stuff during training, it’s been more based around our skills. But in saying that, our running’s still been really hard.
"We think we’ve got a pretty fit group, and it shows in our times that the guys have been running around the Tan (Track at Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens) and Princes Park.
"For myself it’s been another step, hopefully in the right direction, for next year.
"You can always improve on your skill, your fitness and that sort of stuff, so that’s what I’ve been honing my skills on."
Richmond's fitness staff is working hard to avoid any overuse injuries, with several players only doing partial sessions.
Deledio was one of those players on Wednesday but insisted it was part of the balance of his program.
"Everything’s sweet, I’ll be right. I’ll still be training right throughout the rest of the pre-season.
"I’m just easing back – I’ve done everything so far, so I’m just making sure I don’t get any niggles."
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