Xavier Richards given permission to train with Essendon, could sign as free agent
XAVIER Richards could be closer to securing a move to Essendon after gaining permission to train with the Bombers.
The delisted free agent walked away from Sydney after failing to secure a trade despite playing in the Swans losing Grand Final side.
Richards failed to get a deal done during the last delisted free agency but can still sign by this Friday or in the final period between November 26 and 27.
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The versatile tall played 10 games for Sydney in 2016 but requested a move back to Melbourne.
“I just decided I didn’t want to be in Sydney for another two years,” he said last month.
“It was a late decision for me, I just wanted to be back in Melbourne. I know a lot of people may not understand that but I think family and friends are more important.
“I’ve been in Sydney for four years and decided this wasn’t for me.”
Richards is the younger brother of Ted Richards, who started his career at Essendon before being traded to the Swans.
Former Brisbane forward Josh Green is also hoping to sign with the Bombers as a delisted free agent.
