Richards rang Sheedy and was given the news that he would be playing his first game of senior football against Richmond at the MCG. ""I really didn't sleep too well last night after I got the news,"" Richards said. ""I have been an Essendon supporter all my life and used to go and watch from the outer. To think I am actually going to be out there is a bit weird.""
While the opposition will certainly make life tough for him, Richards is just as concerned about running through the banner at the moment. ""I've never run through a banner before and I'm told it is not as easy as it looks. It isn't tissue paper and you can get caught up in it - my first job will be to get through it and onto the ground,"" Richards laughed.
""All the senior players have been great. Chris Heffernan has been a big help and Mark Harvey. Scott Lucas has also been good giving me a few pointers and helping calm the nerves,"" Richards said.
Richards played for the Bombers in their practice match against Sydney and the Wizard Cup clash with Fremantle. He was a standout performer in the VFL early last season and his transition to senior football always appeared to be just a matter of time. Richards can play both forward and back - just where he plays tomorrow night remains to be seen.
