Richmond star Brett Deledio has spoken of his excitement at finally playing finals football, on the eve of the Club’s first September campaign in 12 years.

The Tigers face arch-rival Carlton at the MCG on Sunday, in front of an anticiapated crowd of 90,000-plus, and the 194-game, dual Jack Dyer Medallist, is bubbling with enthusiasm.

“I’m that excited about it,” Deledio said on SEN.

“It’s a different feeling for me . . . I’ve usually been cooling the heels this time of year, or have been for the last nine years.  But to be playing finals, I’ve found a new lease of life and I’m ready to go . . . I can’t wait.

“I haven’t played in that many seasons where we’ve been ahead of the ledger, so to be positive when you win, it makes it so much more enjoyable to come into the Club on a Monday and deal with the training and meetings week-to-week.”