On Saturday, August 23, Kyabram product Brett Deledio was inducted into Richmond’s hall of fame nine years after his departure from the club, and six years after his AFL retirement.
The 2004 number one pick forged a long career in the top flight, playing 275 games, 243 of which were at Tigerland.
Brett’s father, Wayne Deledio, said he and his wife, Judy, were truly proud of their son, who was also stoked to receive the accolade.
“He rates it as probably as good as anything he’s done in his sporting career,” Wayne said with a laugh.
“To be recognised by your peers like that, of your whole career, makes it all worthwhile.”
Deledio joins the likes of former teammates Matthew Richardson and Chris Newman, as well as club legends Kevin Sheedy, Jack Dyer and Kevin Bartlett, in the hall of fame, marking the Kyabram talent as just the 73rd inductee in club history.
A damaging rebounding halfback throughout most of his playing days, Deledio hit the ground running by playing every game possible in his debut season, earning the 2005 Rising Star award.
He won back-to-back best and fairests in 2008 and 2009, before claiming All-Australian honours in 2012 and 2015.
The fastest and youngest Tiger to 150 games, Deledio quickly stood out as a leader in yellow and black and held the vice-captaincy of the club from 2013 to 2016.
The Tigers life member then departed Punt Road for expansion side GWS, but his legacy was cemented into Richmond history as one of the club’s greatest draft selections of all time.
Only Hawthorn draftees and eventual premiership players Jarryd Roughead, Lance Franklin and Jordan Lewis would play more games from the 2004 draft class than Deledio, highlighting his longevity and durability across his 15-year career.
The Kyabram export returned to lace up his boots in the Murray Football League last season, playing two games for Tongala.
For the full interview with Deledio’s parents, check out the Free Press website or new app later this week and pick up next week’s edition.
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