Richmond’s talented midfield recruit Dion Prestia has outlined the reasons behind his desire to join the Tigers, which became a reality earlier today (Wednesday) when a trade for him was formalised with Gold Coast.
Prestia, who played 95 games in a six-year AFL career with the Suns, and was their vice-captain from 2014-16, nominated Richmond as his preferred new football home at the end of the 2016 season.
Following protracted negotiations between the two clubs, Prestia became a Tiger in exchange for pick six in this year’s national draft and a second-round selection in the 2017 draft. Richmond also received this year’s draft pick 24 as part of the trade deal.
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“Obviously coming home (to Victoria) was a big factor . . . Picking Richmond was probably their list. Being able to play with the likes of (Dustin) Martin, (Trent) Cotchin in the midfield, especially,” Prestia said.
“Also, having the two Ellis boys (Brandon and Corey), and (Anthony) Miles in there as well, that was probably one of the major factors why I chose Richmond. It’s a really strong midfield . . .
“And then they’ve also got some great players at either end.
“So that was the main reason for (picking) Richmond.”
The prospect of playing home games at the MCG in front of big crowds, with the mighty support of the Tiger Army, also has plenty of appeal for Prestia.
“I’ve never played AFL footy in Melbourne, so that’s another exciting thing why I chose Richmond . . . they’re such a big club and got a massive fan base. So it’s really exciting,” Prestia said.
The 24-year-old never wavered in his commitment to Richmond, or confidence that a deal eventually would be done.
“I always knew all along that I would end up at Richmond . . . Since I made my decision and talked to the Club, I knew it was always going to happen,” he said.
“It was a bit nervous when it got down to the last two days, but I always backed the guys in, here and at the Coast, that it would get done.
“So,(I’m) just relieved that it’s all over now and I can crack in for next year.”
Prestia was restricted to 14 games in 2016, because of a knee injury that required surgery, however he fully expects to be ready to go for the opening round of season 2017.
“I had an arthroscope, but it was a bit of an awkward time because it was a 12-week injury and there were 12 weeks left in the year. I could have come back and played, but there was no risk rushing it, with no finals for us (Gold Coast),” he said.
“I've started running and got more time off than I thought I would. I'm sure I'll be eased into pre-season and be right to go Round 1.”
Prestia believes finals are a realistic goal for Richmond in 2016, despite the Tigers finishing 13th this year. He also is confident the Club is set for sustained success in the long term.
“They've played finals the last three years. This year was an off year I feel for the Club, but I definitely think finals are on the cards,” he said.
“They've got some good draft picks come in the last couple of years.”
