Richmond star Brett Deledio admitted he felt like a kid going back to school after the long Christmas break, when he walked through the doors at Tigerland today at the start of pre-season training for the Club’s five-year-plus players.
“I’ve had all my bags packed and my clothes all laid out ready to go. So, I’m a bit nervous, a bit excited,” he said.
Visit Richmond’s Draft hub for all the info on the newest arrivals at Tigerland
“It’s always good to get back with the boys and start preparing for a new season . . .
“I’ve met the new kids already. They presented really well . . . came up, shook my hand and said hello, which is good.”
Deledio is confident the three players Richmond recruited from rival league clubs during the off-season – Chris Yarran (Carlton), Andrew Moore (Port Adelaide) and Jacob Townsend (GWS) – will provide the Tigers with a significant boost moving forward.
“They’re great additions. They’re stronger bodies and we’ve all seen what ‘Yazman’ (Yarran) can do with the footy,” he said.
Richmond members – cast your vote in the 2015 Board Election
“I’m excited to play with those boys and looking forward to what they bring to our side.”
Deledio, who missed five games in 2015 due to a calf injury, but still managed to finish third in the Club’s Best and Fairest, and gain selection in the All-Australian team, will take a more cautious approach as he prepares for his 12th season of AFL football.
“As you get older you’ve just got to look after yourself a bit more . . . you’re not doing everything like you used to when you were first on the scene,” he said.
“I’ll be in constant discussions with our fitness guys and our medical staff. They’ll hold me in good stead, I think, to get myself ready and raring to go for 2016.
“I’ve got no issues at all, had no surgery or anything like that, so just been completing my program over the off-season and feel really good.”
