From rags to Richo: By Gavin Haines
footygoss.com
Posted Nov 14, 2006 - 17:31 PM
Is there a more maligned forward in today's game?
Why do we often associate issues of ill-temperament, laziness and disappointment when it comes to analysing the veteran forward of 'Tigerland'? All of us are culprits, including die-hard yellow and black fans at times, but it must be said that Matthew Richardson has been one of the greatest players to pull on a Richmond guernsey.
Richardson's height and athleticism have been the characteristics that have held strong throughout his 234-game career and since he began playing in 1993, he has always been a tough player to match-up on because of this.
Amazingly, he holds the record for most AFL goals at the MCG and this statistic shocks many people, but his consistency at the ground is remarkable.
Richmond has not been a successful side during Richardson's career with the Tigers featuring in just two finals series' in his time at the club, but his loyalty has never been questioned.
Although Richardson managed 56 goals in just his second season (1994), it was his start to 1995 that brought the attention of the entire competition.
27 goals, three behinds in the first eight weeks of the season and he and the Tigers were flying, however a serious knee injury in Sydney was to end his season and thus stunt his runaway-train form.
The following season Richardson came back and showed that the season prior was no fluke kicking 91 goals and assuming star status immediately.
Ten years later Richardson still commands the same respect as he did in his fabulous 1996 season and he still has plenty to give the Tigers even though he turns 32 in March.
The dual All -Australian (1996 and 1999) had a solid 2006 booting 45 goals in 18 matches and with Nathan Brown, Brett Deledio, Kayne Pettifer and Andrew Krakouer, Richmond's forward structure will always pose concerns for opposition coaches.
Richardson will look to register his 700th career goal early in 2007 (he currently has 690). Only 18 players have done so in the history of the game.
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