By Ellen Dunger (Armidale Express, 22/06/2017)
Champion forward Dave Richards will become just the sixth New England Nomad in the club’s 20 year history to reach 100 games when he lines up against Inverell this Saturday. 

The prolific goal scorer and current captain has won five premierships with Nomads, amassed 35 goals in those grand finals, won best on ground three times and is always one of the competition’s leading goalscorers.

He joined the Aussie Rules club seven years ago and has dominated the North West competition in that period but one feat stands out above the rest. 

“Last year kicking 10 goals in the grand final,” he said. 

“It’s an honour and a privilege to play 100 for the Nomads. The club has been great to me for over seven years now, they have given me five premierships.

“I have met so many people along the way, friends for the rest of my life and I will cherish those moments forever.”

Richards took on the captaincy role in 2014 after his uncle Weston Whitby held the position.

Richards’ leadership and skills have developed in his time with the Nomads and said while he had continuous support around him, there were a few key figures who helped him reach his goals in the sport. 

“Starry [club president Adrian Walsh] has been one of biggest influences for me, he has made that club feel like family,” he said. 

“When you get to the club the environment feels good and that is why I think the success has come with it because no one is too good when it comes to the club, everyone is even, we are there to play football and we are all there to play football with each other and work as a team together. 

“Tommy Granleese and Zac Economou would be the second two influences at the club for me. They helped me develop my football, they taught me the technicals of football, not just the playing basics, the little things in my game and made me the player I am today.” 

The diminutive forward is often towered over by on-field opponents but his silky skills and football brain more than make up for it. 

Richards is also happy to offer advice on the sport to whoever asks. 

“Some of the boys ask me about kicking goals and snapping around the corners and even helping out the girls team,” he said. 

“I have been out there a few times and helped out on Wednesdays and given my advice to the girls.”

His talent runs in the family with younger brother Cameron Graham playing a starring role for the Sydney Swans Academy side against Greater Western Sydney last month. 

“My baby brother is playing with me at the club at the moment, he has been playing down in Sydney and they are always asking me and him for advice,” Richards said. 

“If he sticks at it and takes opportunities, hopefully he can go a long way.”

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