By Tyler Lewis
It was some year for Narre Warren spearhead Jake Richardson…
SEPTEMBER, 2022
There’s a sense of similarity between Jake Richardson’s two premiership medallions.
On both occasions there was a raging favourite, an un-backable underdog and – of course – simply horrendous conditions.
In 2019, his Magpies were making up the numbers on grand final day, participating in the dance for 120 minutes before Berwick was awarded its third-successive premiership.
In 2022 there’s a number of sentiments that are comparable, despite the shoe being on the other foot.
No one backed Woori Yallock, particularly with the way the Tigers were finishing finals – losing each of their last three (now four) second halves coming in.
But in both grand finals, the football gods removed the prospect of complacency, and Richardson, the now two-time premiership player and league-medal winner, can compare the two after his sides stirring comeback victory on Sunday.
“It’s just so good, to be challenged and come back, it’s just unreal,” he said.
“Second time around for me, it’s a bit more enjoyable to come from behind and win, I guess the first one was a bit of a shock beating Berwick when we weren’t expected to.
“But today, we came in as favourites; it was good to get over the line.
“The conditions probably brought the game closer, both times.
“It helped us out the first time around and nearly helped them out today, but I think with our run we always knew we could run over the top of them.
“That was the most impressive thing.”
Although he was never going to accumulate his atypical 15 marks and seven goals in the state of the ground, Richardson still managed to impact the game in officious style.
And if it wasn’t for his second-half influence that grossed two crucial majors, he wouldn’t have stood out the front of the change rooms, wreathed in a premiership flag with Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline bouncing off the walls within.
Much like his apprentice – Will Howe – Richardson gripped onto the moment and accomplished the task he is asked to do by coach Shane Dwyer.
“I had to take it on my shoulders and put it through,” he said of his two goals.
“I had to absorb the pressure and do what I am there to do and that’s kick goals.”
In what has been a big week for ‘Cho’, the key-forward is humbled by his league medal, but is comfortable handing it back for further premiership success alongside his great mates.
“A little bit yeah,” he joked of his big week.
“On Monday I was obviously going in for the goal-kicking (award) and I didn’t think I was a chance with Kurt racking up 40 touches a week.
“And obviously Codes (Trent Cody) and what not, and in the past I have never really polled well, so I didn’t think I was a chance.
“It’s nice recognition, but today is what it’s all about.
“It’s a great reward for effort over the last two or three years, or whatever it was, without playing footy with Covid and stuff.
“The reward for effort from the start of pre-season through to now.”
Richardson finished the season with 74 majors from 18 outings, the league best and fairest award and – most importantly – a premiership medallion wrapped around his neck.
