When Tiger Ricky Petterd was growing up on the Gold Coast his school did not even have an AFL team.

Instead the youngster found himself at fullback for the rugby union side.

Aussie rules was very much a niche that the Glitter Strip was only just cottoning on to.

"It wasn't big back then," the 24-year-old said.

"I was the only one that could kick, so they put me at fullback and I did enjoy my rugby, but I just loved footy.

"I loved the camaraderie amongst the boys."

After making a few Queensland teams in his early teens, Petterd got a sniff of what lay ahead and the Broadbeach talent was picked up by the Melbourne Demons in the 2006 draft.

Today the Gold Coast has its own AFL club and many teams competing in the NEAFL Petterd's dad Wayne is on the Broadbeach coaching staff.

"My dad's always travelling with the team and it's good to see young kids enjoying their AFL up there," Petterd said.

One of Richmond's savvy off-season recruits, the midfielder now calls himself a Tiger and after an injury lay-off will be pushing for a spot in Cairns to line up against his home time.

He is relishing the chance to help Richmond to their first finals appearance since 2001.

"From where I've come from at Melbourne to now; my body's finally in shape and I'm happy to be part of a winning culture," he said.

"We keep doing what we're doing and we'll go places."

"Tigers fan as a youngster, he has had no problem buying into the historic club.

"I'm a Queenslander through and through, but I remember as a kid supporting them and you saw the downsides too. That's why it's pretty exciting for me every day (to be part of a team pushing for finals)."

"It's why we all play and with the old boys who haven't played finals yet and the Tiger faithful we've got 60,000 members now we've got to reward them."

Petterd does not carry the scars of the two previous defeats to the Suns in Cairns.

"They are a dangerous club; they've got some good kids and if you're not up to your standards they'll demolish you," he said.