A couple of Chris Newman’s closest teammates – both past and present – have paid tribute to the revered Richmond veteran, in the lead-up to him reaching the AFL’s 250-game milestone this weekend, and the aftermath of his re-signing with the Tigers for 2015.

Newman will become the 13th player in the Club’s history to play 250 games, when he runs out against the Sydney Swans at ANZ Stadium on Saturday for Richmond’s crucial final home-and-away round clash.

Former Richmond champion Matthew Richardson and current star Brett Deledio spoke with genuine admiration and affection about the Chris Newman they’ve known throughout their time at Tigerland.

Here’s what they had to say about the man known simply as ‘Newy’, on this week’s edition of the Club’s official podcast ‘Talking Tigers’. . .

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‘Richo’ on Newy
“He was a pretty quiet, shy young kid, who came in, did his job, and just gradually worked his way into the team over a couple of years.  He didn’t come straight in and go bang, but worked his way in, and then just became such a fantastic team player and great friend to everyone . . . a really good fellow.  He then built up the respect to become captain of the footy club.  Not many players captain an AFL team, and he did it in a really tough time – new coach coming in, list being totally turned around – and he had to really lead in that tough period.  So, he’s just been a great player for this club.  I don’t know for a fact, but I reckon Newy was maybe leaning towards this being his last year.  He had a few injuries, a couple of setbacks, where he got back and then he got injured again.  I reckon it started playing with his mind a bit, and I reckon he was thinking, I don’t know if I’m going to go around.  But his form’s been really strong, and his body’s feeling good.  His first quarter on the weekend (against St Kilda), he was running on top of the ground and had 13 touches.  So, I think he’s been convinced in recent weeks, and it’s great to see him re-signing.”

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‘Lids’ on Newy
“I was rapt (that he re-signed) because he’s probably been one of my best mates since I came down here.  He used to really take me under his wing, drive me round, and get me round to his place a lot.  It’s a great achievement for Newy, and a big game for him this week, as well, playing his 250th.  He was a great captain, as well, through some pretty ordinary times at our footy club.  So, he’s done it all pretty much, and had to do it pretty hard . . . There’s always that question of liked v respected, but Newy’s one of those blokes who’s both of those.  Every bloke on the list would probably say that they feel as though Newy’s a friend and treats everyone equally.  It’s a really great trait that he’s got, and something I really admire about him.”