Richardson ready to roar with Kelpies

GEELONG’S Riley Richardson will line up in the Australian Kelpies men’s netball team for a third consecutive time later this year.

The versatile mid-courter is part of a 12-player squad, which will play international competition throughout the year.

Richardson had a strong showing at both the Australian Institute of Sport Trials in May and the Australian Men’s and Mixed Netball Championships in Brisbane, factoring in his selection to the squad.

His performance in the latter helped guide Victoria to a breakthrough victory after a series of second-place finishes.

“It’s obviously a massive honour to be lining up again in the green and gold,” Richardson said.

“Our selection camp this year was of high calibre, so to be selected from that group of athletes is a real special feeling.

“It’s certainly reward for effort, so I’m feeling really great.”

Joining Richardson in the squad are fellow Geelong Cougars training partners defender Alaistair Punshon and goaler Brodie Roberts.

“They have been in the last two Kelpies campaigns and are obviously tied in at the Cougars, so it’s amazing to be doing this again with them,” he said.

“The two of them are some of my best friends, so it’s pretty great to be lining up with them.”

Richardson will be balancing his own playing commitments with attempting to guide St Joseph’s A Grade netball team to a Geelong Netball League premiership for the first time since 2008.

“It’s a full plate, but it’s all the things I love so it’s pretty easy to stay motivated and on task,” he said.

“I’ve really enjoyed being at Joeys this year and we are moving on really well. By the end of the season I think we will be in full stride.”