GWS recruit Brett Deledio hopes his shock move to the Giants reinvigorates his love for the game

BRETT Deledio hopes his shock move to GWS reinvigorates his love for the game after admitting to a decline in motivation at Richmond.

Former Tiger Brett Deledio in GWS strip. Picture: Nicole Gamston

BRETT Deledio hopes his shock move to GWS reinvigorates his love for the game after admitting to a decline in motivation at Richmond.

Opposition defenders and coaches are in for nightmares next season with the former Tigers superstar to team with Steve Johnson in the Giants forward line.

Deledio has revealed Johnson played a role in helping convince him to make the move when the pair had a chance meeting a mutual friend’s wedding in country Victoria.

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Johnson attempted to take a specky on Deledio on the dance floor but also found time to pursade him to join forces in front of goal.

“Up forward is the perfect fit for me,” Deledio told The Daily Telegraph.

Brett Deledio poses in a GWS jumper. Picture: Getty Images

“It’s where I feel most comfortable playing my footy and I get to play alongside the great man himself in Stevie J. I’m happy I won’t be on the end of any more sprays from him.”

The break from sledging wasn’t only thing Johnson offered when the pair caught up at the Wangaratta wedding, he also convinced Deledio the move would also be right for his young family, wife Katie and 15-month-old daughter Milla.

“Steve put to bed those concerns about moving my family to a new city,” said Deledio, who has

inked a three-year deal worth $1.5 million.

Stevie J wasn't lying on Instagram. Took a d-floor speccy on Lids at a wedding recently and told him to fly north. Deledio initiated trade. pic.twitter.com/XQub8JwlU5

— Sam Landsberger (@SamLandsberger) October 25, 2016

“Almost everyone at the Giants is an expat so they have to be good with their welfare to keep everybody comfortable. Being a country boy who had settled in Melbourne Steve helped me feel happy about the move.”

Deledio has missed 16 games in the past two years after sitting out just seven in his first 10 seasons, with his soft tissue troubles further encouraging the decision to start afresh.

“I started to lose a bit of … I wouldn’t say passion, but I lost motivation and the love of the game,” the 243-game superstar said.

“I just wanted to reinvigorate myself and get back out there and play for the love.

While Johnson has three premierships to his name the former Tiger is looking for his first.

At the age of 29 the prospect of winning a flag at GWS is not surprisingly a huge attraction.

“I’ve been told by the coaches and the players who have texted me is the group is hungry to chase it,’’ Deledio said. “It’s just what you want to hear as a new player coming in. Hopefully I can offer some experience and knowledge to the boys.”

The two-time All Australian and dual Jack Dyer medallist is known for his outstanding fitness as well as his footy IQ but said it didn’t take much nous to realise the Giants premiership prospects are bright.

“Playing alongside this talented group and playing an exciting brand of football under Leon is something I’m looking forward to.”

Brett Deledio after being drafted by Richmond in 2004.

One of the first items of business for Deledio will be picking a guernsey number. There will be plenty to choose from with nine players moving to other clubs but he won’t be able to have three because it’s already taken by Stephen Coniglio.

“Number seven is free and 11 as well,” Deledio said.

“I like to stay as low as possible. I don’t like big heavy numbers to carry around.”

Originally published as GWS recruit Brett Deledio hopes his shock move to the Giants reinvigorates his love for the game