When the Sydney Swans board Wednesday’s flight to Perth, few will feel as relieved as key defender Ted Richards.
Had the AFL’s match review panel (MRP) deemed Richards’ bump on Carlton’s Levi Casboult reckless instead of negligent, the 30-year-old would have missed Saturday’s preliminary final against Fremantle.
Instead they offered a reprimand, much to the delight of Richards and Swans coach John Longmire, who has already pushed his club’s depth to the limit due to a litany of injuries.
“It was just relief because it would’ve meant so much hard work and then I’d let the team down at such an important stage of the season,” Richards said of his feelings when the MRP released its verdict.
“That would’ve been incredibly frustrating for me, the other players and the coaches too.”
The club comedian couldn’t resist the chance to make light of the situation and ask Longmire to challenge the reprimand and risk a one-match ban, but the coach proved a tough crowd.
“I did mention it to Horse (Longmire) as a joke. He didn’t laugh,” Richards said.
Richards was in good spirits at Tuesday’s SCG training session, but admitted he had been “fairly nervous” on Monday morning until general manager Dean Moore passed on the good news.
“I saw the talk in the media about possible outcomes for my bump, both positive and negative, and a lot of people were asking me and I had no idea what it would be,” he said.
“…I think I’ll have to be a bit more careful, if the same situation was to arise, about how I go about it.”
Richards must now do his homework on a number of Fremantle’s forwards, with none more intimidating than captain Matthew Pavlich.
“Pavlich’s most similar comparison is Adam Goodes almost,” he said.
“He’s a key forward that can play ruck rover. He could almost play in any position.
“He’s a great contested mark, he’s great when the ball’s on the ground.
“He’s a player with strengths across his whole game. He doesn’t have many weaknesses.”