OK JACKSTAR I WILL BREAK IT........
Matthew Richardson kicks on Glenn McFarlane From: Sunday Herald Sun November 08, 2009
RICHMOND star Matthew Richardson will put his hamstrings to the test over the next four weeks, with only an injury setback to stop him playing an 18th AFL season.
Richardson, 34, met long-time manager Ricky Nixon on Thursday to discuss options, including a number of offers of full-time work in the media next year.
But Nixon said the Tiger veteran was "more likely than unlikely" to play on, saying he was keen to continue if his troublesome hamstring did not give him any concerns.
The pair have set an early December deadline for a final decision on his playing future, but Richardson could still sign a one-year deal with the Tigers in the coming weeks.
"Matthew has been doing a little bit of (light) training and has not had any (injury) issues," Nixon said.
"I would say that he is more likely than unlikely at this stage. But he won't rush a decision. He just wants to make sure that his body is right.
"He doesn't want to have a year where he ends up being out injured for the whole season.
"Obviously, that can happen at any time. But the last thing he needs is to break down in a few weeks' time. If he does, then he will definitely pull the pin."
Richardson managed six games this year before tearing his hamstring tendon in May.
He then aggravated some scar tissue in an aborted VFL comeback three months later.
Nixon told Richardson he believed he should seek to add to his outstanding 282-game, 800-goal career.
"People who know me realise that the biggest thing I am staunch on is retirement," Nixon said. "I am pretty adamant that when it is over, it is over.
"A lot of players have trouble making that decision because their minds tell them they want to go on, but their body doesn't.
"I have never had any issues with Matthew playing on next season. The reason that he is is still able to play is that he has probably been one of the best athletes who has ever played the game."
Nixon said there had been enormous interest in Richardson from media outlets, more than any other player he had managed.
"He is an exceptional talent in that area," he said. "They (media outlets) were saying they would love to have him on board full-time next year and we have told them we are not going to know until early December."
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/matthew-richardson-kicks-on/story-e6frf9mx-1225795366658
