GREATER Western Sydney recruit Brett Deledio has bid farewell to his former club, declaring Richmond "will always hold a special place in my heart".
In an Instagram post on Monday morning, the first player drafted in 2004 thanked the Tigers.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the RFC (Richmond Football Club) for all that they have done for me since I arrived in 2004," Deledio said.
"I am incredibly grateful for the support, faith and guidance the club has shown in me.
"Not only developing me into an AFL footballer, but also helping me turn into the person I have become."
The comments were posted alongside a picture from his younger days, featuring longer hair and blond tips.
Deledio shared the vice-captaincy this year with ruckman Ivan Maric.
"To the Tiger faithful, thank you for sticking with me and the club through thick and thin in the time I have been at the club," he said.
"We have had some ups and downs but there you were, every weekend, cheering on the boys with that famous Tiger roar that always sent chills down my spine whenever we were making a charge at the MCG.
"While I have decided to have a fresh start, Richmond will always hold a special place in my heart and I will always be forever grateful of the influence the club has had on me."
Deledio, 29, took a pay cut to sign a three-year deal at the Giants.
He was restricted to 11 games this year after a season bookended by quad and calf injuries.
The dual All Australian had been adamant throughout the season he would stay at the Tigers despite speculation he would leave, and was contracted at the club until the end of 2017.
A trade saw Richmond receive a first- and third-round selection for next season, with the first-round pick tied to Geelong.
