Seasoned Richmond midfielder Brett Deledio says the Club is in great shape going into Thursday night’s Round 1 clash against Carlton.
After an extended pre-season, the Tigers are optimistic about the 2015 season, though their preparation has been just like any other year.
“We’re excited to get into the proper season. We’ve spent a long time training with a prolonged pre-season this year, with the cricket World Cup, so it’s good to get the ball rolling,” he said.
Sign up as a Richmond member for the 2015 season
“It’s a big game. We are lucky here at the Tiges that our supporters come out, rain, hail or shine, and we get to play in some pretty good games. We are back to where we belong - Round 1 at the ‘G versus Carlton.
“We’ve trained just as hard and practiced a lot of different things that we’ve put on show a little bit in the NAB Cup. But we are looking forward to making sure we can do that over the early rounds of the season.”
Deledio was quick to allay any suggestion that Richmond struggles against the Blues, given their most recent encounters.
“Every game’s a different game. It’s another game on Thursday night so we’re looking forward to challenging ourselves against a really good side,” he said.
On a personal level, Deledio says he is feeling good, despite the ongoing management of his Achilles, which saw him miss the opening rounds of last season.
“I’ve had (it) for about three or four years on and off. It just rears its head every so often. Without proper management and getting my strength work into my calves and Achilles, I tend to battle with it a bit,” he said.
“I’ll certainly train less, depending on how my body is feeling week-to-week. I don’t intend on missing any games. I certainly would like to play them all, I always have.
“Our fitness staff and medical staff have been really good for me, and held me back at the right times, and just put a plan in place to make sure that I can not only get through this season, but play on for many more years to come,” he said.
Join fellow Tiger fans in a Tailgate Party and March to the ‘G before this Thursday’s game
