http://www.afl.com.au/Default.aspx?tabid=208&newsId=52719
Hadley energised by fresh start
3:00 PM Tue 23 October, 2007 | Back
By Ben Broad
for carltonfc.com.au
News
Watch the video of Richard Hadley's press conference.
WHILE the thought of running out alongside fellow new Blue Chris Judd was exciting, it was the chance of a fresh start that ultimately led Carlton’s “other” Trade Week recruit to pack his bags and head south.
Former Brisbane Lions midfielder Richard Hadley was the final trade completed during the AFL’s exchange period and the 24-year-old can’t wait to begin life in his new colours.
After sitting out all of the 2005 and 2006 seasons as a result of two knee reconstructions, Hadley returned in promising fashion early in 2007 before struggling to cement a senior berth late in the season.
Blues coach Brett Ratten, aware that players recovering from serious knee injuries can take their time to rediscover their best form, was eager to lure the skilled Lion to MC Labour Park.
And Hadley, who had managed just 41 games in a frustrating seven seasons at the Gabba, was equally keen for a change of scenery.
“I think two years with a knee [injury] really takes it out of you,” Hadley said at Carlton’s first day of pre-season training on Tuesday.
“Same walls, same club, training and not playing – it takes a lot out of you.
“So, I think for me it was just a real fresh start, a new stimulus and it’s just an exciting time.”
Despite reports Lions coach Leigh Matthews was disappointed with Hadley’s decision to depart, the former Western Australian said there was no animosity with his former club.
“He (Matthews) rang me up after the trade and said ‘You know, all the best for Carlton and I hope you go well’, so there’s no bad blood there,” Hadley said.
“It was [difficult] because it’s a great place and it was a great bunch of guys – a great club – but for me it was a real personal decision and just something I needed to do.”
Hadley believes he can fill a role in a Carlton midfield that is shaping as one of the most potent – at least on paper – in the competition.
He hopes to build on his leg strength during the pre-season and realises with names such as Judd, Stevens, Scotland and Murphy going around, the battle to get a game – let alone get a permanent role in the engine room – won’t be easy.
And he has already had some words of encouragement from Carlton’s prized recruit. Hadley was thrilled when he found out he would again be playing with Judd after the pair travelled to Ireland in 2000 as members of the Australian under-17 team.
“[Judd] rang me and just congratulated me on coming to the club,” Hadley said.
“He just said ‘Good luck and I wish you all the best and let’s have a good year’.”
Hadley energised by fresh start
3:00 PM Tue 23 October, 2007 | Back
By Ben Broad
for carltonfc.com.au
News
Watch the video of Richard Hadley's press conference.
WHILE the thought of running out alongside fellow new Blue Chris Judd was exciting, it was the chance of a fresh start that ultimately led Carlton’s “other” Trade Week recruit to pack his bags and head south.
Former Brisbane Lions midfielder Richard Hadley was the final trade completed during the AFL’s exchange period and the 24-year-old can’t wait to begin life in his new colours.
After sitting out all of the 2005 and 2006 seasons as a result of two knee reconstructions, Hadley returned in promising fashion early in 2007 before struggling to cement a senior berth late in the season.
Blues coach Brett Ratten, aware that players recovering from serious knee injuries can take their time to rediscover their best form, was eager to lure the skilled Lion to MC Labour Park.
And Hadley, who had managed just 41 games in a frustrating seven seasons at the Gabba, was equally keen for a change of scenery.
“I think two years with a knee [injury] really takes it out of you,” Hadley said at Carlton’s first day of pre-season training on Tuesday.
“Same walls, same club, training and not playing – it takes a lot out of you.
“So, I think for me it was just a real fresh start, a new stimulus and it’s just an exciting time.”
Despite reports Lions coach Leigh Matthews was disappointed with Hadley’s decision to depart, the former Western Australian said there was no animosity with his former club.
“He (Matthews) rang me up after the trade and said ‘You know, all the best for Carlton and I hope you go well’, so there’s no bad blood there,” Hadley said.
“It was [difficult] because it’s a great place and it was a great bunch of guys – a great club – but for me it was a real personal decision and just something I needed to do.”
Hadley believes he can fill a role in a Carlton midfield that is shaping as one of the most potent – at least on paper – in the competition.
He hopes to build on his leg strength during the pre-season and realises with names such as Judd, Stevens, Scotland and Murphy going around, the battle to get a game – let alone get a permanent role in the engine room – won’t be easy.
And he has already had some words of encouragement from Carlton’s prized recruit. Hadley was thrilled when he found out he would again be playing with Judd after the pair travelled to Ireland in 2000 as members of the Australian under-17 team.
“[Judd] rang me and just congratulated me on coming to the club,” Hadley said.
“He just said ‘Good luck and I wish you all the best and let’s have a good year’.”
