Premierships not behind Giants move: Lids
Nov 30, 2016 - 2:33 AM Brett Deledio's move to Greater Western Sydney has given him far-and-away the biggest chance of winning a premiership of his AFL career.But the star midfielder insists a fresh start, rather than a better shot an elusive flag, was behind him leaving Richmond.
Deledio said he never gave up hope of winning a premiership with his former club before deciding to exit after 12 seasons in the recent trade period.
"It's not that I'd given up hope. I think it was time for me to have a fresh start and seek something else," Deledio told reporters on Wednesday.
"I wanted to experience a new culture, new facilities, new coaching and just see whether I could better myself and make myself more rounded."
Deledio has had the opportunity to explore those facilities in full after landing in Sydney to start pre-season training at the Giants' Homebush base this week.
He admitted being "frustrated" throughout an injury-interrupted 2016 in which he played 11 games, with Richmond finishing 13th to miss the finals for the first time in three years.
Having to fight for a senior spot at the talent-laden Giants, who fell six points short of making the grand final this year, would refresh his career, he said.
"Every player's got to play their way into a spot. The beauty of it is everyone's under that pressure to perform and it really challenges you for your spot," Deledio said.
"I think that's another reason to reinvigorate and get going again and see if I can get that spot."
Deledio said he agonised over the decision to leave Richmond, but he knows that will do little to prevent the Tigers faithful giving him an earful when the sides meet at the MCG in round 18.
In fact, the new Giant has invited it.
"You spend 12 years at a place, there'll certainly be mixed emotions," he said.
"I'm glad we've got them up here first before we have to play them down there at the 'G.
"I'd be disappointed if they didn't boo or something at some stage.
"But I'll certainly make sure I say hello to a few of them if I get the chance."
Source: AAP
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