Frustration, followed by relief, then anticipation and excitement . . .
These are the myriad of emotions that talented playmaker Chris Yarran has been feeling over the past few weeks during his transition from Carlton to Richmond.
The frustration was due the fact that negotiations between the two clubs for Yarran’s transfer dragged into the last half-hour of the AFL’s trade period last month.
There was an understandable sense of relief for Yarran, when the deal was finally done (traded to Richmond for pick 19 in the upcoming National Draft).
“To leave it to the last day, it was frustrating towards the end. I obviously just wanted to get the deal done and cross paths,” Yarran told ‘Roar Vision’.
Draft flashbacks: Chris Yarran
“I was at Carlton for seven years, and I’ll always have a soft spot for them, but it was time for me to move on. Both parties agreed that it was in the best interests that we departed ways . . .
“A fresh start is just what I needed because it’s well documented that last season I wasn’t playing the way I would have liked.
“It was very important for myself for a fresh start because who knows, if I stayed at that club (Carlton), I might have departed ways with footy forever, if I kept going the way I was going.
“I’m just thankful that Richmond gave me an opportunity to play for this great club and, hopefully, I can return the favor . . .
“I’ll always look very closely at my old teammates, but I’m here now and I’ll be 100 percent giving Tigers my all.”
Yarran enters Tigerland with high hopes for the team’s prospects in 2016 and beyond, following three consecutive finals campaigns . . .
“Certainly their last three years have been pretty good. Even though they didn’t win a final, your Cotchin, Martin, Deledio, these types, I think, will push further in September next year and, hopefully, I can play some part in that,” Yarran said.
“I personally believe that Richmond are close to competing for the ultimate prize and, hopefully, I can contribute in that area.”
Although Yarran wasn’t officially due to start pre-season training with Richmond until the end of November with the more senior members of the playing group, he opted to make an appearance at the Club early this week.
“To come down early, show my face, and meet some of the staff and some of the new players, I think was beneficial for me going forward. Hopefully I can show some of these young blokes a thing or two,” he said.
Yarran is confident his best football at the game’s highest level is still ahead of him, and he envisages that happening in a rebounding role across half-back with the Tigers.
“I see myself playing at half-back, just similar to the way I was playing at Carlton,” he said.
“But also being able to play on the wing and half-forward, I think, gives me that real string to my bow.
“I’m only 25, I’m not 26 until late next year, so I still believe there’s a lot there to improve on with my footy. It’s just a matter of getting that consistency going . . .
“I had no operation at the end of last season, clean slate since I’ve come across to Richmond, so hopefully I’ll put my best foot forward and we can go deep in September.”
