WEIGHT, AWARDS, TRADE

Q You were only slightly built upon your arrival at the Tigers but you didn’t waste any time adding to it did you?

A I got drafted as a 17-year-old and I was only 70kg. In 18 months I went from 70kg to 84kg. I got some pretty good confidence out of that and I went on to play some pretty good footy in the first couple of years at Richmond.

Q Indeed you did. In 2006 you played all 22 games, finished second in both the 2006 AFL Rising Star award and Richmond’s best and fairest and won the Tigers’ Francis Bourke Award. That must be something you’re proud of?

A It was a big year and the Francis Bourke Award is something that isn’t as publicised but one I was really proud of. I also won the most professional award at Brisbane and the Gold Coast and now, as a coach, it holds in me good stead knowing I got the best out of myself. I couldn’t break into the midfield but I found a space off halfback as a running defender.

Q It took a turn in 2007 when injuries meant you played as a key defender at just 182cm tall

A It was random so it inhibited my development a bit. I didn’t have as good a year but it was consistent, playing 22 games.

Q You played just five games in the next two seasons due to serious knee injuries that led to your trade to Brisbane at the end of 2009, how hard was that?

A I always wanted to be a Tiger for life but it gave me a chance to move back to Queensland and I enjoyed every moment and I have no regrets. I would have liked to have played 100 games for Richmond. (Raines played 56).