New Tigers in focus: Jordan McMahon
2:16 PM Mon 10 December, 2007
By Ben Broad
for richmondfc.com.au
Click here to see how Jordan McMahon has viewed his first few weeks at Punt Rd. Keep an eye out on richmondfc.com.au for more video insights into how fellow recruit Mitch Morton, as well as new draftees Trent Cotchin, Alex Rance and Dean Put, have fitted in at Tigerland.IF JORDAN McMahon didn't remember Terry Wallace's ways at the Western Bulldogs, it didn't take long for his former coach's methods to come flooding back after arriving at Punt Road.
McMahon, one of the Tigers' key signings during the off-season, is enjoying a solid pre-season in his new colours.
He is eager to make a new start across town after admitting he became a little stale in seven years at the kennel.
However he had to stay as fresh as possible for one of the Tigers' early off-season sessions, one of which McMahon recalled from his earlier days under Wallace.
"There was a session years ago [when at the Bulldogs] when there was a game called 'The Rings'," McMahon said.
"I hadn't done them for a long time and three or four sessions into training with Richmond the rings came back out…they're not a pleasant exercise or drill to do during football."
Now into his eighth summer at AFL level, the 24-year-old considers himself seasoned enough to handle anything fitness staff throws in his direction.
Although he admitted The Rings was not among his favourite drills.
"It's just two rings set up at either end and it's just back and forth, back and forth," McMahon explained.
"There's two teams going from one end to the other with one ball, trying to get it through the ring and it's just continuous.
"Just non-stop and it's actually really gruelling, very taxing."
McMahon is excited by the youth at the Tigers, and said he was surprised to find he was among a group of older players when training resumed.
But he doesn't believe having such a young list is a negative.
"That's the really good thing about them, they're young and they're exciting and I think that makes pre-season a lot more exciting…they're pretty happy to be here," he said.
While the Tigers are setting a cracking pace on the training track, McMahon says a few, in particular, look destined for big things in 2008.
"Nathan Foley can run; he's good at just consistently running, repeating efforts," McMahon said.
"And I reckon Brett Deledio [is flying]. 'Lids' is a pretty solid player at the moment. He's pretty powerful, pretty strong, he's built up a lot and he's quick too, so I think he's a bit of a package at the moment and he could show a lot this year, I reckon."
All things going well, McMahon expects a much-improved Richmond outfit next season.
After a disappointing 2007, the Tigers faithful hope to be singing the famous club song on a more regular basis next year.
And McMahon admits he can't wait to sing the 'Yellow and Black'.
"To be honest with you, there were two things about moving to Richmond [that particularly appealed]," he said.
"My mate said, 'You know it's really great that you've moved because it's good colours and a good club song'.
"That's the one thing nearly every person has said to me: 'You've finally got a team with a good theme song'.
"I played for a Tigers team when I was younger with the same song and I appreciate it. It's a good song."
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