Raines learns tough lesson
27 March 2006
Herald Sun
Bruce Matthews
IMAGINE an eager young footballer being named in the published 25 players for 17 rounds and playing only six of them.
Last season was not only a harsh lesson in patience for Richmond's Andrew Raines, but a blunt reminder of what he must do.
It was as if the Tigers' match committee purposely tested Raines' resolve by teasing him as an emergency in 11 games.
The tantalising experience drove the 20-year-old son of triple best-and-fairest winner Geoff Raines through a long, hot summer to be a contender for Friday night's opening game against the Bulldogs.
"I was like the 23rd man most of the time," Raines said.
"I was up there in the squad, but I just couldn't bust into the side.
"It was frustrating, but I suppose us young blokes have got to learn that your form has got to be right at the lower level with Coburg in the VFL.
"It's important to get your form right there.
"In hindsight, it was right for my development. The six games I did play were a good learning curve.
"I'm ready to take the next step this year.
"It's a important year coming into my third season and I'm looking forward to cementing a spot in the senior side."
Raines has added 4kg in the gym to be better prepared for a long, crucial season.
"You can never work too hard," he said.
"I've worked on my skills and endurance and strength in the gym.
"I turned 20 only last week and I feel that I'm still growing. When I first came down I was 70kg and now I'm 81.
"I had a bit of groin soreness last year. I didn't miss any games, but I think all young fellows get a few problems adapting to the workload.
"This year I'm feeling better with more experience.
"The younger blokes, the under 23s, come in on Thursday and do an extra session.
"I've found that helps because the older blokes are always a step ahead with strength."
Raines bears remarkable similarities to his famous father, a dynamic centreman in Richmond's 1980 premiership team who works in real estate on the Gold Coast.
"People often say that there are distinct movements, low to the ground, and that we move fairly similar. Some say it looks like Dad, but it's just me, the way I play," he said.
"Dad knows how to balance any advice, to step away at times and let me do what I should do.
"He's always only a phone call away and he comes down to Melbourne a fair bit."
Raines would love to one day ply his skills across the centre, his father's domain for most of 254 games with four clubs in the 70s and 80s.
"I've been playing half-back and enjoying the role. Defending and running off to use my attacking skills," he said.
"But I want to push up into the midfield."
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