Ted is a joy

[Go Swannies]

"I think the forwards' job is to fill the salary cap, and they're doing a good job doing that," Richards quipped. "We're happy down back and doing our thing."
Read more: Sydney Swans' defensive duo Ted Richards and Heath Grundy form a solid double act

[Xie Shan]

It's always good to see the defenders get some recognition. Our defence looked surprisingly disorganised in the first month of the season which is quite unlike what we have come to expect from them, but Ted and Reg have been incredibly solid since that time. Laidler has fitted in beautifully, Rampe continues to grow in confidence and Smith does his job so well I sometimes forget his opponent is there, he completely shut LeCras out of the game last week.

[RogueSwan]

It's always good to see the defenders get some recognition...

Just look at our backs over the last 15 odd years and we have (just about) always had a very solid back 6/7. And they were/are a team within a team. We have had some A Grade defenders over the years.

Circa 2001:
Double act? Brad Seymour & Andrew Dunkley + Matty Nicks, Jared Crouch, Andrew Schauble, Leo Barry (I am not including Saddington, he was never really a defender even if he did play down back)

2004
Double act? Craig B2 Bolton & Andrew Schauble + Leo Barry, Tadhg Kennelly, Paul (Whipping boy) Bevan, Ben (the other whipping boy) Matthews.

2008
Double act? Leo Barry & Craig Bolton + Super Marty Mattner, Paul Bevan, Jared Crouch, Tadgh Kennelly, Nick Malceski, L-R-T

2011
Double act? Lewis Roberts-Thomson & Ted Richards + Rhyce Shaw, Alex Johnson, Marty Mattner, Tadhg Kennelly, Nick Smith

Today
Ted Richards & Heath Grundy + Dane Rampe, Nick Smith, Jeremy Laidler, , Jarrad McVeigh (ringer), Nick Malceski


Sorry if I went a bit off topic, but I am proud of our defensive teams over the years and like Xie Shan said it is good to regconise them. [insert bromance smiley]

[AnnieH]

I just love Ted.
When I saw he after the game tonight, I screamed like a teenager at him and went all groupie.
Then apologised, cause I thought he was 1 direction.
He laughed his head off.

[jono2707]

I just love Ted.
When I saw he after the game tonight, I screamed like a teenager at him and went all groupie.
Then apologised, cause I thought he was 1 direction.
He laughed his head off.

Sounds like that restraining order's expired again....

[tasmania60]

If you watched his game over the years , he has seemed to grown into his position, Seems so calm and calculating now ,makes little mistake areal pleasure to watch and admire !

[aguy]

If you watched his game over the years , he has seemed to grown into his position, Seems so calm and calculating now ,makes little mistake areal pleasure to watch and admire !

I agree. In fact I think he has totally changed. When he first arrived I think he came across as arrogant on Nd off the field. Now precisely opposite. Wonderful leader and wonderful spokesman and clubman

[Primmy]

I love Ted. I love what he has achieved and is achieving. I want to hug him to bits.

Oh Annie, so.....Annie.

[mcs]

My favourite memory of our wonderful Ted was when he had been dropped back to reserves (early/mid 2009 or 2010?) and he was sat across the row from me on a flight from Melbourne to canberra, as he had been seniors emergency and was heading to canberra to play reserves.

It must have been a pretty dark time for him, as I remember he had been really struggling to nail a place in seniors and it looked like it could be the end of the road. I had a really great chat with him that day - he really was lovely considering his struggles at that stage.

You could see that the fire burnt bright and he said that if he got ine last chance in seniors, he was determined to grab it with both hands.

We all know that he did, and he has become, imo, the best player in the game at the moment in his position (or at very worst, in the top 3). He is a great example of what can happen with dedication and hard work, and an absolute gent as well.

[aguy]

My favourite memory of our wonderful Ted was when he had been dropped back to reserves (early/mid 2009 or 2010?) and he was sat across the row from me on a flight from Melbourne to canberra, as he had been seniors emergency and was heading to canberra to play reserves.

It must have been a pretty dark time for him, as I remember he had been really struggling to nail a place in seniors and it looked like it could be the end of the road. I had a really great chat with him that day - he really was lovely considering his struggles at that stage.

You could see that the fire burnt bright and he said that if he got ine last chance in seniors, he was determined to grab it with both hands.

We all know that he did, and he has become, imo, the best player in the game at the moment in his position (or at very worst, in the top 3). He is a great example of what can happen with dedication and hard work, and an absolute gent as well.

Yep I think it was the master stroke that made ted. When he was dropped his attitude changed completely and I love him now. One of the best defenders in the league And one if the best clubman in the league to. Always an absolute pleasure to see interviewed. Big Richards fan

[Doctor]

I also love the way he plays his position. No wrestling and blatant holding, just outstanding positioning and perfect timing as to when to leave his man and go for the intercept mark or third man up spoil. Very reliable at bringing the ball out from the back too.

[Nolie]

He should have had a shot a shot at the goals in the dying seconds of the 2006 Grand Final instead of trying to pass to O'Loughlin.

[AnnieH]

He should have had a shot a shot at the goals in the dying seconds of the 2006 Grand Final instead of trying to pass to O'Loughlin.

Shhhhh.
Don't talk about the tainted cup.

[tasmania60]

I shuddered with his hesitancy,early on in his career, now seems so cool relaxed and it shows with his choice and execution . Just oozes class and poise a pleasure to watch !