Up until two months ago, Josh Caddy had never played on the wing.
But as he looks towards securing his second premiership on Saturday, he’ll be playing a completely different role this time around.
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The former forward produced a standout 2018, booting 46 goals and gaining selection into the All Australian squad.
But this year, following a mid-season injury hiccup, Caddy struggled to find his way back into the side.
He played a stint in the VFL and it was there where he developed his newfound craft, which he unveiled in Round 20 against Melbourne.
Since returning to senior level, Caddy has continued to thrive in his new role.
He was influential in last Friday’s preliminary final win over Geelong, collecting five intercept possessions from 13 disposals.
Speaking to SEN on Tuesday morning, Caddy admitted he had to work hard to get back into the Tigers’ line-up.
“It’s sometimes hard to get back in. So, I had to change things up a bit,” he said.
“(It’s) a little bit different to last year but I couldn’t be happier to be going into a Grand Final on Saturday.”
Caddy has relished his new role, in particular, being able to “run all day” and showcase his endurance.
“Getting further up the ground and being able to run around, it’s been really enjoyable,” he said.
Caddy is one of several Tigers who have re-invented themselves in 2019, including playmaker Shane Edwards who has taken on a new role of half-back.
The selfless nature of the Tigers and their adaptability to fill required roles is what Caddy claims the “key to success”.
“When you’re at a Club vying for a premiership, you don’t care where you play…Everyone is putting the club and the team before themselves and their own wishes,” Caddy said.
“To have tasted (a premiership) before and know how good it is, you don’t care what you’ve got to do to go back there again, you just want to be playing.”
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Coincidentally, Saturday is Caddy’s 27th birthday. Richmond’s most experienced finals player, the Grand Final will be his 14th September outing.
While the Tigers have their eyes firmly fixed on Saturday’s clash, they are making sure to enjoy the week and have fun along the way.
“Dimma has been there himself a few times as a player, and in 2017, we really embraced the week and enjoyed it for what it was,” Caddy said.
“Although everyone’s itching to get to Saturday, if you concentrate (on the game) too much, you miss the week as it goes by and you don’t enjoy it.
“(We’ll make sure we) enjoy all the moments because we’re so lucky to be there, not everyone gets to do that.”
