EX-SYDNEY forward Xavier Richards will have a point to prove when he lines up for the undefeated Sydney University against his former club, the Swans, in the NEAFL on Friday night in Marrickville.
He requested a trade from the Swans during last year's trade period without a club lined up.
He then missed out on being traded, being picked up as a delisted free agent or being chosen in either draft despite playing in the 2016 AFL Grand Final.
He subsequently decided to remain in Sydney to continue his tertiary studies and play football at Sydney University, which plays against the Swans, Greater Western Sydney, the Brisbane Lions and the Gold Coast in the NEAFL.
He is now completing a Masters of Commerce and working at a multi-national company in Sydney as well as playing football.
Sydney University coach Tom Morrison said Richards had been great for the club but he hoped an AFL club gave him another chance next season.
Morrison said Richards' attitude had been outstanding, particularly when he had to resume through the club's seconds as he made his way back from a minor calf injury.
He kicked three goals last week against Southport, despite playing the final quarter in defence and Morrison expects he will be determined to play well against a Swans line-up that could include Kurt Tippet, Gary Rohan, Aliir Aliir and Jeremy Laidler.
"I think every week he has had a point to prove, which is no different to any of our players. He's very competitive. He hasn't given up on the AFL dream but he's also balanced out his life really well with his personal life, work and study," Morrison told AFL.com.au.
"I'd be staggered if he wasn't keen to play well and impress but probably no more so than any other week."
The fact Richards missed out on being on an AFL list became a major talking point during the off-season with the Swans making no secret of their view he was good enough to be on an AFL list.
He had kicked 13 goals in the final 10 games of the season and cemented a spot inside the Swans' forward line as a foil to key forward Lance Franklin and explosive half-forward Isaac Heeney.
However, he did not want to accept the Swans' contract offer at the end of the season and the club could not budge because of their tight salary cap so Richards decided he wanted to be traded.
Unfortunately for Richards, he was unable to facilitate a trade back to Melbourne as Victorian clubs had their sights set on other targets.
Soon after, the Swans were forced to delist him and he was unable to force his way on to an AFL club's rookie list.
He then approached Morrison who was rapt to have him at Sydney University.
"Obviously, we jumped at the opportunity [to have him at the club] because he is a quality person and a quality footballer," Morrison said.
"If he keeps going the way he is going at the moment – he's training really hard and his attitude around the club has been terrific – I don't see why he wouldn't get an opportunity at the end of the year. He's clearly an AFL standard footballer."
