New recruit Joe Richards jumped at the opportunity to wear the number 35, with the guernsey coming out of retirement 12 years after John McCarthy’s tragic passing. 

Pledging to do the guernsey proud, while also making it his own, Richards didn’t hesitate when he was asked if he wanted to take the number on. 

In his second week at Port Adelaide, the small forward spoke with Adelaide media about his new number, his decision to come to Alberton, and how he hopes to contribute to a new-look forward line. 

Richards on wearing the 35 
“Yeah, so originally, I got contacted by Port Adelaide just after the trade period and they just asked if I wanted the number. Obviously, coming from Collingwood, similar to John, and being traded to Port Adelaide, there's a little connection there. And I jumped at the opportunity as soon as they offered it up.” 

Richards on if pressure comes with donning the 35  
“There is a bit of history. And obviously Chad Cornes wore it before John. So a little bit of pressure. But I'll try and make it my own and do as much as I can in it.” 

Richards on settling in at Alberton 
“It's certainly different to Melbourne, but I'm loving it. A bit more of a relaxed lifestyle here, so loving that aspect of it. But yeah, only been here a week or so, so I'm pretty keen to check out the rest of Adelaide. Obviously, you’ve got nice beaches here, and as I said, it's bit more relaxed than Melbourne is. Yeah, it's probably the main difference.” 

Richards on his decision to come to Port Adelaide 
“It was more about the opportunities that I get coming here, and hopefully I can make the position my own. So that was probably the main factor. 

“I definitely took my time. I think I made the decision the day before the trade period, or maybe even the day of the trade period. But yeah, there was a bit of a process, because Port Adelaide were obviously still in finals at the time. So yeah, they were obviously focused on finals. My manager was doing a fair bit of work behind the scenes, obviously talking to Collingwood and weighing up whether coming to Port was the right move or staying in Collingwood. So yeah, there was a lot of lot of stuff to think about, but I'm really happy with my decision.” 

Richards on the opportunity at Port Adelaide 
“Obviously I’m a small forward and there's an array of small forwards at Collingwood who are all great players. So whether there was a spot there for me or not, you know, potentially there was, I'm not too sure, but it certainly felt like what Port Adelaide pitched to me, it felt like the right decision. And as I said, one that I'm happy to make.” 

Richards on his three-year deal  
“It's great that they've got confidence in me to put that deal in front of me. And obviously I was happy to take it, and felt as though Port was the right fit for me. So it wasn't too hard of a decision to make.” 

Richards on his interactions with Ken Hinkley so far 
“I spoke with Kenny a couple of times throughout the process, and he seemed great. You talk to anyone here, and he's really personable guy that's got great relationships with these players. So that was pretty much exactly what I thought of him as well.” 

Richards on his relationship with former coach Craig McCrae 
“Yeah, he's a great guy, Fly. He just sort of said, make the decision that's best for you. And yeah, obviously he said that he thinks that Collingwood was the right fit for me, and he thinks I can play some great footy at Collingwood, but yeah, obviously made a decision and I’m happy with it.” 

Richards on what he’s learned since being drafted at 22 years of age 
“When you first get drafted, you sort of don't know what you don't know. So it is hard, especially in your first year going into the AFL environment, and you have to learn so much. But I think that experience will definitely help me at Port Adelaide, just the day in, day out sort of stuff. 

“I think it definitely does (help being a mature aged recruit). Especially coming from Collingwood and already having two years there, you know exactly how clubs run. And although it's a tiny bit different here, there's a lot of similarities. So it definitely helps having the experience, coming from another AFL club.” 

Richards on the growing importance of small forwards in the AFL 
“Yeah, that was definitely part of the pitch (to come to Port Adelaide). I think you’ve seen that with Hawthorn and Geelong even. Yeah, potentially, that's the way that AFL clubs are going. So that was definitely part of the pitch.” 

Richards on draftees Joe Berry and Jack Whitlock 
“Yeah, I knew Joe, we’re from the same area, so I caught up with him and did a few sessions with him. And he's fitting in really well, along with the other boys. So he's a really good footy player, and hopefully gets to show that this year. 

“Jack Whitlock obviously will be a very, very handy player. So he's got some really good attributes, sort of similar to the King brothers, I think he'll be a great footballer. But they've all showed little aspects that will make them, hopefully good players.” 

Richards on the comfort of a small city like Adelaide 
“Yeah, there probably is a little bit, yeah. As I said before, it's a lot more relaxed here, and that's similar to back home (in Wangaratta). I loved it in Melbourne. But yeah, I think that probably will make me feel a little bit more comfortable. And hopefully helps me play my best footy.” 

Richards on what he does outside of football 
“I’m pretty boring, to be honest. Don't get up too much. I feel there's some good golf courses here, so I might have to ply my trade at that on the off days. But, yeah, I don't get up to too much in the off days or on the weekends.”