Tigers to unveil McMahon
06 February 2008 Herald Sun
Jon Ralph
STAR Richmond signing Jordan McMahon is set to be unleashed in Friday's week's NAB Cup clash against St Kilda at Telstra Dome after a flawless pre-season.
McMahon joined Richmond last year from the Western Bulldogs, with the Tigers desperate to add some polish and dash to the backline.
McMahon, 24, said yesterday he felt mentally and physically refreshed.
Richmond looks set to take a side close to full strength into the St Kilda clash, with Matthew Richardson, Nathan Brown, Troy Simmonds and Kane Johnson all expected to play.
McMahon said with Richmond's new-found depth in the backline, he would have to force his way into the side.
McMahon and Mitch Morton - a highly rated trade from West Coast - were both exceptional in the club's intra-club match on Friday.
"I am very happy with the pre-season," McMahon said yesterday at the club's Community Camp in Echuca.
"I genuinely do feel a lot fitter than I have ever been. Maybe it's just a state of mind, but it's how I feel at the moment.
"It's a change of club and a change of environment. It's that excitement of the group. They are a really enthusiastic young bunch and it makes it really great for me to train, and that's why I have enjoyed it as much as I have."
While Richmond's backline has been a work in progress, McMahon and Morton will join Joel Bowden, Jake King, Chris Newman and Graham Polak as rebounding defenders trying to slot into the back six.
"To be honest, position-wise, nothing has been set in stone," said McMahon, who was swapped for Richmond's No. 19 draft pick.
"There are about 40 of us trying to fight for that position in the backline. There is a big group in contention, and the midfield is strong too."
The only negative is the travel. McMahon lives in Ascot Vale and his travel to training has grown from a few minutes to more than half an hour.
He has had to patch up some relationships, too.
"(Matthew Richardson) has always been on the opposition and I had a few words to say to him in the past," he said.
"He's a really good fella. I get along well with him and hopefully I can spend a few years kicking it down there, with him on the other end."
The Tigers will play an intra-club match tomorrow.
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