Lightweight Wangaratta premiership forward Nick Richards is banking on more beef to combat the VFL next year.
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The pacy 72-kilogram Richards has just signed with Williamstown.
“I’ve always had a goal to play AFL, so that’s probably one of the reasons I’ve chosen the VFL,” he said.
“I was looking at other state clubs, but the VFL was the best option in the end.”
And Richards is determined to add some bulk.
“I want to put on a bit more size to start with, definitely with the bigger bodies there,” he said.
“I want a bit more strength, so I can play in the midfield.”
Richards spent the first half of the season with the Murray Bushrangers in the under 18 TAC Cup, before playing 10 games with the Pies, including the drought-breaking grand final win over juggernaut Albury.
He started deep in attack in the O and M before moving into the midfield.
I want to put on a bit more size to start with, definitely with the bigger bodies there.
- Nick Richards
Richards will now join the Porter siblings as confirmed departures, with the stalwarts announcing their retirement straight after the premiership win.
“I had a chat to (coach) Dean Stone about it and he was all for it,” Richards said.
“I’ve always said to him I want to play the best footy that I could.”
The 19-year old played for Williamstown’s Development League team last season but, given that competition has been cut, Richards could well return to the Pies after nominating them as his home club.
A player returns home if he fails to make the VFL team.
Richards will move to Melbourne in January.
