Matthew Richardson's future lies with Terry Wallace's successor
Courtney Walsh | May 06, 2009 | The Australian
THE career of champion Tiger Matthew Richardson lies with the next coach of Richmond.
Barring a stunning form reversal, Richmond's new coach for 2010 faces a potentially difficult decision on the Tigers favourite after his management declared him keen to continue despite undergoing surgery yesterday for a potentially career-threatening injury.
Questions about Richardson's future came as Essendon coach Matthew Knights yesterday dropped another veteran, Scott Lucas, following the star forward's struggle for form.
Despite concerns that Richardson's playing days are at an end following surgery on a torn hamstring tendon in his left leg, his manager Ricky Nixon is adamant the 34-year-old will play on in 2010.
But Nixon conceded the uncertainty at Punt Rd could complicate Richardson's future, with incumbent coach Terry Wallace's tenure to be determined following the completion of an internal football department review in July.
Wallace has previously conceded Richmond needs to make the eight for him to retain his position. The Tigers need to win at least 11 of their final 16 matches without their best player Richardson until at least round 18 to qualify for the finals.
"There is a whole lot of things going on at Richmond at the moment," Nixon said. "We will wait and see. The club may or may not have a new coach. I can't answer that and, quite frankly, it is none of my business.
"But he is pretty positive about it all and he is keen to play next year, as simple as that. Anyone who says otherwise is in dreamland."
The future of several Richmond veterans will be assessed through the season.
Dual best and fairest winner Joel Bowden turns 31 next month, Nathan Brown struggled for form before exiting the side with an injury a fortnight ago, former skipper Kane Johnson is yet to play this season, while ruckman Troy Simmonds was demoted to the reserves last week.
Another 30-year-old, controversial recruit Ben Cousins, lasted less than a match before rupturing a hamstring, though it is possible he will get the chance to press his claims for a new contract from Saturday when the Tigers play Brisbane at the MCG.
Despite being the oldest of the six, Richardson had proven by far the best performer this season - despite battling pain in the tendon - until a buttock injury against the Kangaroos a fortnight ago.
The veteran is likely to have at best four weeks to prove his worth should he return at all this season.
This leaves the next coach in charge at Richmond with the contentious choice of continuing with a player who will turn 35 before the 2010 season or bringing an end to a club legend's career.
Nixon, who started contract negotiations with former Tigers football manager Greg Miller last May after the veteran rejuvenated his career with a move from attack to the wing, said Richardson was in similar form until injury hit against the Kangaroos.
Richardson, who is 18 short of 300 matches, kicked eight goals and averaged 24 disposals a game despite Richmond's abysmal opening month. His possession tally was far superior at that time than any other season during his 17-year career.
"In the first three or four games, he was playing as well as he was last year," Nixon said. "He is clearly way and above any 30-year-old in the competition and he is capable of playing on next year."
Peter Bruckner, a sports medicine expert, said yesterday on Melbourne radio the injury was career-threatening but believed Richardson's fitness and athleticism gave him a chance of returning to his best.
Richmond club doctor Greg Hickey conceded Richardson might not play again this season but disputed suggestions it was a career-ending injury.
"I wouldn't say he is a certainty to play (again) this year but we are optimistic he will be around for the latter part of this season," Hickey said.
"And if he is not available this year, I have no doubt he will be fighting fit for next year and I know the rest of his body is great for a guy who is 34."
He defended the Tigers' decision to allow the veteran to return to the ground after tearing the tendon in the opening term against Sydney on Sunday.
"In terms of going back on the ground, it's a difficult thing to stop a guy that is desperate to get out there," Hickey said.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25435361-2722,00.html
