Ottens declares loyalty
29 August 2004
Sunday Herald Sun
Jon Ralph
RICHMOND ruckman Brad Ottens removed himself from trade speculation yesterday, declaring his intention to re-sign with the Tigers.
Ottens was expected to be the subject of intense interest from clubs in his home state of South Australia, but he knocked those rumours on the head yesterday.
He said he had met new coach Terry Wallace and was keen to end his career as a one-club player.
"Hopefully, we can get it all sorted out as soon as possible," Ottens said.
"I would be rapt to stay in Melbourne and hopefully we can get it all organised as soon as possible and get on with training and thinking about 2005.
"It's my main priority. Staying my whole career at one club is pretty important to me and I'd love to stay a Tiger."
Ottens said he and Wallace had already had a face-to-face discussion.
"I have spoken briefly to Terry and I hadn't had a whole lot to do with him in the past, so it was just good to meet him and see where he thought I was at and get a few of his ideas," Ottens told Triple M.
"He said he can see a bit of improvement in the role that I play and a few changes and I took a lot out of the talk I had with him.
"I spoke to him in person to touch base and see where he saw the club going and the changes and improvements he was going to make was a pretty big benefit for me."
Ottens failed to make an impact this year before an ankle injury brought a premature end to the season and he admitted he needed to lift.
"I would be the first to admit it hasn't been my best year," he said. "I have a lot of work to do in a lot of areas."
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