After two years out of the Red and White, the Griffith Swans have revealed Nathan Richards will be back out on the park for the 2019 Riverina Football League season.
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The talented footballer has been working away at the Greater Western Sydney academy before playing a season with the Canberra Demons in the North Eastern Australian Football League last season but decided now was a good time to return to his boyhood club.
“It's one of those things where it doesn't matter how long it has been or where you have played you always want to come back to your home club again,” Richards said.
“I have been away for two years now. There were just a few family reasons to come home.”
The signing will bolster a strong roster who fell in the Riverina Football League decider against Collingullie Glenfield Park after going through the regular season undefeated.
Richards was on the sideline for the Swans’ first grand final in over a decade and said it was tough just to be watching from the bench.
“It was hard to watch, not saying the boys played badly, they did really well just couldn't quite go that extra step,” he said.
“I was devastated for them, and I had seen how hard they worked all year and how well they went. It has put a bit of fire in the belly for the start of preseason.
“I'd just like to contribute to hopefully the boys going one further next season. If I can have any part in that, I'd be satisfied.”
The return of the talented ruckman has come at a good time for the Swans who may have been searching for a ruckman heading into the 2019 season with Riley Irvin potentially leaving town.
“I think Riley Irvin was outstanding. I feel he had an unreal year,” he said.
“Unfortunately I think he is heading off to university. If I can fill his role and do half the job he did, I think we will go alright.”
Richards spoke fondly of his experiences over the last two years, and the dream of playing on the big stage will always be on his mind.
“Over the last two years I have had an unbelievable experience, and I feel I have come out of that not only a better footballer but a better person as well,” he said.
“It is something that stays in the back of your mind, and wherever footy takes me now, I'd say I'd be satisfied with what I have done.”