Richardson goes backBrett Stubbs
February 02, 2010 RECENTLY retired Tasmanian AFL star Matthew Richardson will return home to thank fans from all clubs later this week.
The 34-year-old, who was forced to pull the pin in December after being unable to overcome a serious ongoing hamstring injury, will be in his old home town of Devonport on Friday night and in Hobart on Saturday.
The high-flying Richmond forward, who also developed into an athletic wingman late in his career, was a star throughout his 282-game 800-goal career, earning three All-Australian selections.
This trip will be a chance for Tasmanian fans to get along and thank Richardson for his 17 seasons of entertainment.
The Richmond stalwart, who enjoyed cult status among all AFL supporters, will talk about his illustrious career at the Devonport Football Club, the club where he was drafted under the father-and-son rule way back in 1992.
He will be the guest speaker alongside former Tigers teammate, fellow Tasmanian and now Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale, former Richmond captain Dale Weightman and Richardson's biographer, well-known sports journalist Martin Flanagan, brother of Tasmanian author Richard Flanagan.
Tickets are $40.
On Saturday, Richardson will be joined by former teammates and current Tigers players Troy Simmonds and Daniel Jackson and Tasmanian State League players for a kids' clinic at North Hobart Oval.
The clinic will run from 12.30pm to 2.30pm with a barbecue and kiosk facilities available. For more information on both events call Jenna Evans 9426 4452.
http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2010/02/02/125321_sport-news.html
