Sydney ruckman Tom Derickx says he holds no grudge against Richmond after being delisted Warwick Green
Herald Sun
June 18, 2014 7:03PMHE MANAGED just two AFL games in three seasons at Punt Road, and has since played 11 on the trot with premiership contender Sydney.
But ruckman Tom Derickx holds no animosity towards Richmond’s decision to cut him over summer.
“I spent three years there and didn’t do a hell of a lot, so I think they were pretty pleased to see me go to be honest,’’ the 26-year-old said.
“I didn’t get that opportunity that I’ve since got at Sydney, there were a lot of guys ahead of me, so obviously I guess you never know what might have happened if I did get that chance in the ruck.’’
The 204-centimetre played two matches for Richmond in 2012: his Round 15 debut against Melbourne as a forward/back-up to Ivan Maric, and the following week in the backline against Gold Coast.
“I was drafted as a ruckman but never really played a senior game in the ruck at Richmond, so it’s only at Sydney that I’ve got that responsibility,’’ Derickx said.
“It’s amazing how that responsibility can make you a better player and give you that extra bit of confidence. Especially when the coaches show that faith in you. You feel like you owe it to them.’’
Derickx believes he has “matured a lot as a player’’ and has no issue with the way he was treated by the Tigers.
“Richmond were good to me. They looked after me for three years even when I had injuries,’’ he said.
“I sort of knew, and the club sort of knew that it was time to move on. I think they knew pretty early on that they were going to get Shaun Hampson, which obviously squeezed me out.’’
If he plays at the MCG on Friday might, Derickx will almost certainly find himself staring across the centre circle at Hampson at some stage.
“I don’t feel like I have a point to prove to (Richmond), more a point to prove to myself,’’ he said.
“If I get to play against the Tigers I’ll enjoy it. I’ve got a lot of good mates there — guys like Reece Conca, Dave Astbury, Dustin Martin and Shane Edwards — and there will probably be a few jokes flying around I’d say.’’
Just possibly the punchline might be about the Tigers discard who is a chance to play in a Swans premiership.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/sydney-ruckman-tom-derickx-says-he-holds-no-grudge-against-richmond-after-being-delisted/story-fni5f9jb-1226959101212