Farewell Richoman

Friday the 13th, black Friday, many fear it as a day filled with bad luck and bearing bad news. For Richmond supporters Friday the 13th 2009 is such a day. The day when Punt Road’s favourite son calls time on one of the most talked about football careers in the history of Australian Rules football.

Richo the footballer was an enigma, which is probably the only description that would receive uniform agreement from fans and players alike. At times he was the most frustrating of players to watch while at others (most others) he was simply remarkable. Like round 21 1996, when he tore apart the hapless Fitzroy side with 28 possessions, 21 marks, and kicked 7 goals 5 for the afternoon. As coached Robert Walls watched his dominant half forward run riot that day its no that wonder years later as a commentator he remarked that Richo would kick 15 goals in a game one day.

The 15 goals may never have come but tigers fans need not have worried, Richo had so much more to give. Often maligned for his poor disposal, in particular his often less than perfect goal kicking, Richo’s pure ball getting ability is what set him apart from all but a few other key forwards that have graced the AFL fields throughout the country. What was often neglected by his critics was simply the amount of ball he won. Focusing on the shots at goal he missed, he was rarely given credit for the sheer amount of marks (in particular contested marks) he took that led to additional scoring opportunities for himself and his team mates.

Richo wore his heart on his sleave. He was criticised often in his career for his poor body language and berating of team mates when things didn’t go his way. While some of it was justified, it exemplified the passion the man invested in his performance and that of his team. Perhaps if Richmond had more players with his passion over the last 17 years the club would be in a different position.

All tigers fans will have differing favourite memories of Matthew Richardson, however its hard to believe many of them won’t be feeling a sense of loss at this news. Throughout Richo’s 17 years at Punt Road, Richmond has been a poor football club and many fans have continued to show up to the MCG and buy their annual memberships because of Matthew Richardson.

One thing is for sure, watching Richmond from now on will not be the same. No longer will the chant of “RichoRichoman” ring out from the Punt Road end of the “G”, no longer will the faithful scream “yeah” after a classic Richo grab only to mutter “arrrrh” as he misses the shot from point blank range.

Richo leaves the games as humbly as he played it during his glorious career at Punt Road. No fanfare, no final season tour, no farewell game. I’m sure we’ll get the chance to wave goodbye as he does a lap of his favourite ground sometime in 2010 and tiger fans will look forward to that day.
For me, a lifelong Richmond fan, while I knew this day would come, I still feel a sense of loss. My favourite player has gone however his feats will never be forgotten. Thanks for the memories Richo, I’m sure I’ll forever remember those great calls of “RICHO” as you pulled down yet another screamer.

Mondays Expert