AFL news: Port Adelaide recruit Joe Richards reveals why he left Collingwood

Joe Richards was only just making a name for himself when an offer to leave arrived. The Port Adelaide recruit reveals why he left the Magpies.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MAY 24: Joe Richards of the Magpies celebrates a goal during the round 11 AFL match between Walyalup (the Fremantle Dockers) and Collingwood Magpies at Optus Stadium, on May 24, 2024, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Port Adelaide recruit Joe Richards has revealed why he quit Collingwood after a breakthrough season where he played nine games.

The 24-year-old forward, who spent two seasons on the Magpies’ list after being taken at pick 48, requested a trade to Alberton after weighing up re-signing at Collingwood.

Richards said the likelihood of greater senior opportunities led him to move on despite a last-ditch public plea from Craig McRae at the club’s best-and-fairest.

Joe Richards played nine games for Collingwood this year. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

“I’m 24 now, so I don’t have a lot of football ahead of me and it was more about just playing the most AFL games as I can while I’ve still got the opportunity,” Richards said.

“It was more just about opportunity and where I see myself playing the most football.”

Richards revealed how difficult the call to depart Collingwood had been.

“It was really hard,” Richards said.

“It’s hard to leave good people, good coaches, good players and Collingwood’s such a big club too so it’s hard to leave that.”

Just a boy from Wangaratta that kicked a goal on his AFL debut 🤩

Hear from Joe Richards as he looks back on that special moment against the Eagles on Mother’s Day 💐 pic.twitter.com/H1cniimQO7

— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) September 9, 2024

Richards’ new coach Ken Hinkley will enter the 2025 season with huge question marks surrounding his future.

Richards, a Wangaratta product, said he hoped to be part of the team which relieves the pressure on his new coach.

“He’s (Hinkley) a pretty down to earth guy and someone that you want to play for, as you would have seen this year with the Port guys,” Richards said.

While the Magpie army show up in big numbers, the Adelaide Oval can become a cauldron of noise when the Power and Crows fans are up and about.

“I don’t think it would be too different to sort of the Collingwood fan base and what they provide at the MCG, but I’ve watched both showdowns this year and they look good to be a part of,” Richards told Channel 7.

Originally published as AFL news: Port Adelaide recruit Joe Richards reveals why he left Collingwood