The Eagles consider Richardson a much-loved figure and he picked up right where he left off in his side’s round one victory over Tatura.
A former Team of the Decade member in the Cricket Shepparton 2010s side, Richardson brings significant pedigree and sentiment to the area.
“It’s been brilliant (being back). It feels like I never left,” Richardson said.
“As everybody knows the club has a real community spirit, which is a strength of ours on and off the field.”
Richardson credits Josh McKinnon and Mooroopna 17-and-under netball premiership mentor Bree Hanslow with making the living situation comfortable during the season, residing nearly 17,000km from his Yorkshire base.
Richardson was hooked after receiving a glowing recommendation on the area from brother Elliot following a strong 2016-17 season at the Eagles.
“Elliot came home and told me, ‘You have to go out there’, and the rest is history,” Richardson said.
“We really struck gold staying in Katandra with Bree and Josh and his family have been unbelievable for both of us in our time here.”
The Yorkshire product has been enamoured with the area enough even to contemplate a move to the Goulburn Valley once his playing days have concluded.
However, logistically, he laments that this may not be likely to materialise.
“I very easily could (move over), but if only it were that easy,” Richardson said.
“Obviously, my close family back home is a big stumbling block, plus being on the other side of the world doesn’t make it simple.
“If there were suddenly a super fast two-hour flight from Yorkshire to Shepparton I’d have a good argument to my family for staying over here.”
As for his cricketing duties, the all-rounder maintains complete confidence that his side will be primed for another charge at the top of Haisman competition.
“The core of the side is the same as always, plus quality signings in Ben Pedretti and a teammate from back home in Kieran Collins,” Richardson said.
“The aim is to be in the business end every season, but knowing the strength of teams in the league we will have to be at our best every game.
“Knowing the two-day format is back this time, the real Haisman is up for grabs.”
Beyond this season, though, Richardson seeks to ensure a lasting impact on the club.
He intends to establish a talent pipeline, utilising his links to English cricket.
“I’ve got a line of players from Woodlands CC, my home club in Yorkshire, wanting to come out to play in Australia,” Richardson said.
“Convincing them to play at Katandra is an easy sell.
“I’ll continue to try and provide the club with quality overseas players for as long as they need it.”
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