In his first week on the training track at Richmond, talented mature-age, midfield recruit Dion Prestia spoke to Channel Seven about life as a Tiger. Here are his thoughts . . .
Great to be home and with the Tigers
“Being in Melbourne, back with the family, is probably the biggest difference I’m going to find now. I was able to go home and see them last night and over the weekend . . . That was the reason I wanted to get back home – to be closer to my family. I’ve only been here (at Richmond) a couple of weeks, but I’m really looking forward to seeing what new things I can learn and things I can bring to the table here.”
Top times ahead
“I still think their list is very exciting. I feel they had an off year . . . the previous years before that, they were going really well . . . It seems like they’re pretty self-driven. So, hopefully, we get some success.”
Finals focus
“I think every team expects to make finals, so it’ll be definitely our goal and something we’ll be striving to do.”
Aims and aspirations
“A whole pre-season at the moment is my plan . . . I’ve been working pretty closely with the rehab staff here and just getting through this period. I’ll try and get as fit as I can and then, after Christmas, it looks like I’ll be able to go full-on with the main group. I just want to keep trying to play consistent footy . . . grow my game on and off the field here, which I think I have a great opportunity to do.”
On top of his knee problems
“I feel right now it’s at the best stage it probably has been over the last two years . . . I’ve been eased into it (pre-season training). Obviously, we’ve got a pretty long pre-season ahead of us, so there’s no need to be rushing in at the moment. So, just get the body right and, hopefully, I can play a good 25 games.”
Being handed the Tigers’ No. 3
“I understand who’s worn it in the past and I know they’ve been great for the Club . . . I’m just proud to be able to wear the Richmond colors and, hopefully, I’ll do them proud.”
Working closely with Cotchin and Martin
“I know they’ve been around for a while, but they’re still got a lot of years still ahead of them. And I just hope that they can improve me and I can improve them. I think the midfield depth is really good . . . it’s going to grow my game.”
Invigorated by change
“A fresh start for me, has been really good . . . just finding out new things and new ways to improve. Obviously, I wasn’t here before, but everything seems to be going really well at the moment. I’m excited by it and I’m finding it really good.”
