Welcome to 3AW. Skip directly to: Search Box, Section Navigation, Content.

3AW - Fairfax Radio Network

Thursday May 17, 2012

What we're talking about

Matthew Richardson retires

Posted by: 3AW Radio | 12 November, 2009 - 6:57 PM
Matthew Richardson has been injured in his return

Richmond legend Matthew Richardson has announced his retirement from football.

Sports Today's Gerard Healy said after 6pm on Thursday night Richardson, 34, would call time on his 282-game career, 800-goal career as a result of a medical scan from earlier this week showing he would need more srgery before playing on.

"I wanted to see how I pulled up after a few weeks of training before I made a final decision, but the hamstring is just not good," Richardson said.

"It hasn't felt right when I've been running and the medical prognosis with it isn't positive. So, weighing everything up, it is definitely the right time for me to retire."

"I didn't want to spend the last couple of years of my career riddled with injury."

Among the numerous honors he achieved throughout his career were:

• Winner of Richmond's Leading Goalkicker award 13 times.
• Second place on the Tigers' all-time goalkicking list, with 800 goals
• Winner of the Club's Best and Fairest award in 2007
• Three-time All-Australian representative
• Member of Richmond's Team of the Century

Richardson was reborn as a player after he was played on a wing by former coach Terry Wallace against Fremantle in round four 2008 at Subiaco Oval.

After going on to come joint third in the Brownlow Medal that year, hopes were high that the addition of Ben Cousins to the Tigers' list could help Richardson extend his career further.

But the Tigers' disaster in 2009 saw Richardson play just six games before tearing his hamstring tendon in May.

He aggravated scar tissue in an aborted VFL comeback three months later.

Richmond will hold a press conference at 10:30am on Friday morning to allow 'Richo' to say goodbye.

How will you remember 'Richo'? Your comment may be read on air.

Blog comments Your Say

  • I've am the biggest fan of richo! Even though he has now retired, my room is still filled with posters and pictures! I will never forget richo even when i grow up! He has been my favourite player since I started barricking for richmond! (since i was like 1 day my mum always mentioned him or at least this is what she has told me that)! If u read this RICHO i am the biggest richmond supported but mostly ur biggest fan! I luv u and that will neva change! ;]

    Amy Sunday 19 December, 2010 - 3:04 PM

  • ur so hot rihco

    dd Sunday 19 December, 2010 - 2:59 PM

  • Matty Richo 18 years has gone so fast Its sad that he never got to play in a premiership side, But thats footy top fella who loves his live music and was down at a surf Competion down near Kilcunda to stop The Desalination plant going ahead - Love you Richo

    col Monday 23 November, 2009 - 5:13 PM

  • i am just a kid and i go for the tigers and richo is my favorite and i was crying when i herd him leaving i am so upset :(

    Tayla Friday 13 November, 2009 - 9:28 PM

  • I'm a Bombers supporter but I have watched a lot of the Tigers and Richo was a great. It's sad that such a dedicated player never got to play in a premiership and that he had to end his career this way. Richo, I wish you all the best in retirement and I think you'll have a long, successful career in the media. Congrats on a great 18 years.

    Steve Friday 13 November, 2009 - 3:03 PM

  • Good on you Matthew, what a champion!

    Sue

    Susan Griffiths Friday 13 November, 2009 - 7:47 AM

Post a comment * Mandatory fields