After four seasons with Essendon, Richards was presented with his new jumper at the 2006 Guernsey Presentation Dinner, which officially marked the beginning of his career as a Swan.
Despite arriving at the club months before the guernsey presentation event, Richards said receiving his first Swans jumper was the moment he truly felt part of the club.
“Seven or eight years ago I was presented with my first jumper by John Rantall and Peter Bedford and I remember it really clearly,” he said.
“My parents flew up for it and it is just a really special moment and one I’m going to remember for the rest of my life.
“It isn’t until the first jumper presentation that you get your first jumper and you realise that you are part of this group and part of this club and part of the history.”
Like Richards, Swans co-captain Jarrad McVeigh, who was born and bred in New South Wales, said receiving his first Swans guernsey was an unforgettable moment.
“To receive your first guernsey is really a great thrill,” he said.
“For me personally it was realising a dream come true having been drafted to the Sydney Swans and knowing that I was now an AFL player.”
“To put that jumper on every week is a really special thing.”
This year, 11 new players will officially become Swans at the 2013 Sydney Swans Guernsey Presentation & Hall of Fame Induction Dinner, presented by Volkswagen, held on March 18 at the Sydney Convention Centre.
Draftees Kurt Tippett, Dean Towers, Harry Marsh, Tim Membrey and Matthew Dick will receive their first guernseys along with 2013 rookies Jake Lloyd, Xavier Richards, Brandon Jack, Dane Rampe, Dan Robinson and Sam Naismith.
The club’s Hall of Fame Inductees will also be announced at the event as well as the club’s newest Heritage Listings.
The 2013 Sydney Swans Guernsey Presentation & Hall of Fame Induction Dinner, presented by Volkswagen, is a great opportunity for fans to access the inner sanctum of the club and a terrific way to kick off the 2013 season with the players, coaches and families.
Tickets to this event include a three course dinner and drinks.
To purchase tickets, click here.
