Petterd fits right in at new Tigers homeBy Andrew McGarry
abc.net.au
Sat Apr 6, 2013 Former Demon Ricky Petterd says he has found a home at Richmond in an unfamiliar backline role, after he helped the Tigers to a 17-point win over St Kilda.
Petterd had a hit-and-miss career at Melbourne, kicking 55 goals in 54 games in six injury-interrupted seasons for the Demons before leaving the club at the end of last season.
Coming to Punt Road, however, he was given a new role in the backline, and the signs were promising on Friday night as he picked up 20 possessions and eight marks in a solid Tigers debut.
Richmond held on in the final quarter against a surging Saints side to win 14.15 (99) to 12.10 (82), going 2-0 to start the season for the first time in 16 years.
Petterd told Grandstand it was a great feeling to hear the famous "Tigerland" song after the siren.
"I was going through a tough time (last year) with my feet and achilles, I knew it was probably my time was up at Melbourne and I accepted that early," he said.
"I was lucky enough to be given a chance by Richmond and I will be forever grateful for it.
"The siren went and I probably carried on a bit, but I got goosebumps - it's a great feeling (hearing the Tigers' song)."
Seventh heaven ... Richmond's Jack Riewoldt kicks a goal. Photo: Seventh heaven ... Richmond's Jack Riewoldt kicks a goal. (Getty Images: Michael Dodge)
Petterd's new role across the backline has allowed former Tigers' captain Chris Newman to float forward.
He lamented some inaccuracy in his disposal, saying he wished he had brought Newman's kicking boots with him to the ground.
"I turned it over a bit, but releasing him (Newman) up forward will benefit us, I think," he said.
"Playing the spare (in defence) I think there's a few blokes in our team that can do it now."
Petterd said the Richmond team had plenty of on-field leadership, starting with new captain Trent Cotchin - 31 possessions and five tackles - who lifted his side when needed in the final term.
"I only think you have to look as far as Cotchin, what he does in the last quarter of tight games, he just injects himself into the game and makes it his responsibilty to get us up and going and over the line," he said.
"The good thing is now we've got it (leadership) through all the lines.
"We've got Chappy (former Port Adelaide player Troy Chaplin) down back now, it was as vocal out there in the last five minutes as it was in the first five.
"And we've got Jack (Riewoldt, who scored seven goals) and the boys down forward, it's just a spread throughout the ground, I think."
Petterd acknowledged it would be difficult to hold his spot in a side on the rise, with plenty of competition for places.
"It's going to be super tough," he said.
"I've got to go out and play every game as if it's my last, and that's what I intend to do."
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-04-06/petterd-fits-right-in-at-new-tigers-home/4613538
