Recently-retired Richmond champion Matthew Richardson provided an inspiring 2010 season toast at the Club’s season launch last Friday.

Richardson spoke to the predominantly young playing group about what it means to wear the famous Yellow and Black colors, urged them to embrace the Club’s rich history, and then to create their own successful era at Tigerland.

Here are some highlights of the ‘Richo’ speech:

“To me, wearing the jumper means you get to represent a proud Club, with a very successful last 100 years.

Regardless of what people want to say, and we know the last 30 years haven’t been great, but this Club has won 10 premierships.

We also get to represent our supporters, and there is no more passionate and emotional supporter base than the Richmond members.

When you run out in the jumper you’re not just representing yourself and the Club, you’re representing all those supporters and members that turn up every week, and that’s something I always remembered as a player.

You’re also representing all the greats that have gone before you, and our Club has some of the greatest players in AFL history.

These are all great players who have done great things for our Club, and when you run out there, you’re representing those guys.

But that’s all in the past, which is great, and we have to embrace that, but I feel like it’s time to embrace the new history of our Club.

It’s a fresh start. ‘Newy’ (Chris Newman) has an exciting team under him and a young leadership group.

You’re all starting at the same time, and that’s really important if you want to build a good club.

There would be no better way to start the season than by beating Carlton this week.”

Tiger fans will have the opportunity to farewell Richo before this Thursday night’s big season-opener against Carlton at the MCG. For more information, click here

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