News out of Richmond's 2010 Season Launch

A Number of things have come out of the 2010 season launch today.

New coach Damien Hardwick labelled 2010 the "start of the resurgence" of the Tigers and a year dedicated to "transformation". Hardwick also plans to hand AFL debuts to at least three Tigers in next Thursday night's MCG season-opener against Carlton.

Richmond now have the youngest list in the AFL and I think Hardwick still thinks there is some dead weight on the list that he was unable to cut lose.

Recently-retired Richmond champion Matthew Richardson provided an inspiring 2010 season toast according to the clubs web site.

Here are some highlights of the ‘Richo’ speech thanks to http://www.richmondfc.com.au/:

“To me, wearing the jumper means you get to represent a proud Club, with a very successful last 100 years.

Regardless of what people want to say, and we know the last 30 years haven’t been great, but this Club has won 10 premierships.

We also get to represent our supporters, and there is no more passionate and emotional supporter base than the Richmond members.

When you run out in the jumper you’re not just representing yourself and the Club, you’re representing all those supporters and members that turn up every week, and that’s something I always remembered as a player.

You’re also representing all the greats that have gone before you, and our Club has some of the greatest players in AFL history.

These are all great players who have done great things for our Club, and when you run out there, you’re representing those guys.

But that’s all in the past, which is great, and we have to embrace that, but I feel like it’s time to embrace the new history of our Club.

It’s a fresh start. ‘Newy’ (Chris Newman) has an exciting team under him and a young leadership group.

You’re all starting at the same time, and that’s really important if you want to build a good club.

There would be no better way to start the season than by beating Carlton this week.”

Richo will have his fairwell at the MCG this Thursday at the season opener.

Richmond also inducted four more Club greats into its Hall of Fame.

Ian Wilson, Neil Balme, Mark Lee and Ray Martin joined fellow Richmond greats including Neville Crowe, Kevin Bartlett, Francis Bourke, Jack Dyer, Royce Hart and Dale Weightman.