A special homecoming
1:05:44 PM Sun 23 April, 2006
Andrew Browne
Sportal for afl.com.au
It was only a few of years ago that Andrew Raines was living in Queensland and watching a northern premiership dynasty unfold as he witnessed numerous Brisbane Lions maulings of opposition sides at the Gabba on a regular basis.
On Saturday night, Raines returned to his former 'home' and experienced 'a special feeling' in his brief AFL career as Richmond recorded its second consecutive win at the once mighty Lions fortress. More importantly, it was the Tigers' first victory of the premiership season.
"I used to imagine how good it would be running out in front of a Queensland crowd and got the chance to do it and it is even better doing it in the yellow and black," a delighted Raines told afl.com.au amongst noisy and joyous scenes in the visitors' rooms on Saturday night.
"It was a special win and special for me too being a Queenslander."
Despite losing its first three games and coming off a trip to Perth, Raines said the club retained the self-belief to win at the Gabba.
"We had a look at the Lions during the week and thought we could beat them," he said.
"After two interstate trips and the shocking loss to the Western Bulldogs in the first round, it was good to bounce back, find some form and stick with it.
"You have to go out every week and make a contest and if 22 players go out and give it their best we will be there with a strong chance."
The names Roach and Raines are synonymous with Tigerland. But it was the former with the name of Thomas (son of famous spearhead Michael) who was drafted with the club's father-son selection in 2003.
At the same draft, Andrew - who is the son of 1980 premiership legend and triple best-and-fairest Geoff - had to wait until the eighth round and pick no.76 before he joined his esteemed father's club.
Raines junior made his long-awaited debut in round 22, 2004 against Sydney at the MCG but it was an appearance that would be best forgotten as the Tigers were thrashed by 64 points, secured the wooden spoon and Danny Frawley coached his last game at Punt Road.
However, just over 12 months and 11 games later, the 20-year-old has tasted the sweetest victory in his short career and is showing the coaching panel enough promise that will hopefully keep him in yellow and black colours for a long time.
Saturday night saw the former Southport player put in another solid performance against a more experienced and taller opponent with the high-leaping Jared Brennan, which drew praise from coach Terry Wallace.
"I was out my depth with height but thought I fought it out for four quarters and did okay," was Raines' self-analysis about his performance.
Meanwhile, Wallace had backed the youngster for a spot in the starting 18 when he called Raines three weeks before the season started to tell him Western Bulldogs livewire Robert Murphy would be his round one opponent.
"I saw him (Raines) that way a month out and his performances over the summer and the first four games have been outstanding," Wallace enthused.
"His attack on the ball has been second-to-none, so he deserves his right to play."
Following consecutive road trips, Raines is eagerly anticipating the return home to experience the new-look MCG turf, as they cope with another short turnaround when they face traditional rival Carlton on Friday night.
"It will be great to get back there at our home ground and we will be ready to play despite the six-day break," Raines said.
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