Unbeknown to Riccardi he turned up to training on Friday night and received pats on the back and congratulations for getting a game. “Buddha’s done his ankle, you’ll be flying out with the team tomorrow” Malcolm Blight told the 19 year old.
Riccardi’s first game remains a highlight. He ran out on the ground with the likes of Barry Stoneham, Steve Hocking and Gary Ablett. Riccardi started on the field against young gun Chris Mainwaring in the wing position.
The most memorable moment for Riccardi was a single passage of play with Ablett that resulted in his first goal. “The ball was being bought down from the back line, Ablett received the ball in the centre and handballed to me, I gave it back and he returned it, I kicked the ball and it went through for six points”. Riccardi kicked two for the game.
Riccardi got cramps in his hamstring in the third quarter “I thought I’d been shot” he said. Riccardi did not return to the field but Geelong won.
“I’d give my game six out of 10 because I didn’t finish it,” Riccardi said.
