WHEN Sydney Swans defender Ted Richards arrived at Friday's Grand Final parade, getting in the car that would carry him through the streets of Melbourne wasn't his first priority.
The 29-year-old left teammate Marty Mattner sitting alone in one of the Toyota Hiluxes adorned with red and white balloons while he went to the front of the line to say hello to an old friend.
As Brownlow medallist, Essendon captain Jobe Watson took part in the parade in one of the first cars that took off from the Arts Centre on Swanston Street.
Richards, an old school friend from Melbourne's Xavier College and former Bombers teammate, shot right to the front of the procession to check in with his long-term mate after what had been a hectic week for both.
"As soon as I got out here, I knew Jobe was at the front so I ran down to say hi," Richards said, once he took his place in his own car before the parade.
"I'm catching up with him for a coffee after this.
"He's just been flat out but I wanted to congratulate him on the award."
Richards wasn't invited to the Brownlow Medal count, which his teammates who were watched via video link from Sydney so they wouldn't have to travel ahead of Saturday's Grand Final clash with Hawthorn at the MCG.
He found himself emotionally involved on a few counts as current teammate Josh Kennedy polled well to finish equal eighth on 19 votes.
But to watch the guy he'd known since primary school - the son of his mother's best friend and the mate he'd given his old job stacking shelves at a bottle shop to - win was as equally special.
"I watched it at home and was cheering on Josh, but also Jobe as well," he said.
"Either way, I wanted a Xavier [College] guy to win and I was rapt when Jobe had that lead and knew he had it then."
This week, Watson has been kept busy with a range of media commitments after his accolade but he still found time to be excited for his mate, who was preparing for his second Grand Final.
"I'm really thrilled for him, with the season that he's had and the success that hopefully they get on the weekend," Watson said.
"It's just been a great story for him with his perseverance and strength of character, and the ability to go and move interstate and turn into the player he's become.
"I'll be really excited for him if they win."
The two friends, who have known each other for 20 years, will have plenty of time to talk about the exciting ends to their respective seasons in the next few weeks.
Richards said they're off on holiday together, with New York and Rio de Janeiro - "if Jobe gets organised and sorts out his Brazilian visa" - on the itinerary.
Jennifer Witham is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow her on Twitter @AFL_JenWitham.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs.
