Osca Riccardi has labelled his decision to join GDFNL contender North Geelong as a “mental reset”
The 20-year-old former Geelong rookie, who has continued to play VFL with the Cats since being delisted after his lone season on their AFL list in 2023, has had Bell Park in the GFNL as his interchange club.
However, Riccardi, who was placed on life support in May last year after suffering a brain infection, has confirmed that the Dragons have granted his request for a move that will see him link up with dad Peter, who coaches the unbeaten Magpies.
“Going to North Geelong, it’s nothing to do with anyone or no bad ties or anything,” Riccardi said.
“It’s just that I haven’t had the same enjoyment towards the game, the passion I once had, and love for the game.
“It’s been lost for the past two years.
“I thought after my brain injury last year that I’d start to fall back in love with it, and it just didn’t really change.
“I had a few strong weeks earlier this year and then started to lose form again, and I found myself in the same rut as I was at the start of last year.
“I just thought I needed a mental reset towards the game, and I think there was no better way to do that than to surround myself with the people I’m close to, as in Dad and Uncle (Mick), and all my family at North Geelong.”
Riccardi is also relishing the opportunity to play alongside several good mates for the first time since under-16 level at Newtown & Chilwell.
“My best mates in Cooper Vaughan, Noah Penny, Noah Bily, and just really go back to what I loved doing, which was playing with them.
“When I was in under-16s and we were running, that was probably the best year of football I ever had.
“It feels so comforting running around with the people I’ve grown up with and just going out there and being able to do what I can with still a bit of pressure, but just a bit of weight off the shoulders and attack it with a different perspective.”
Riccardi, who is grateful for the support he’s received from Bell Park, featured in the opening five rounds of the VFL season with Geelong but hasn’t played any football since April 27.
He hasn’t turned his back on the Cats, but labelled it a “temporary step away”.
“I’ll give North Geelong my 100% attendance for the next month or so,” Riccaird said.
“I’ll have a good sit-down again with the (VFL) coaches and discuss what’s going on.
“I think if they’re ready and I’m ready, they’ll welcome me straight back in. But we’ll see how that all goes.”
“I’m not shying away from that at all.”
If Riccardi’s appearance is approved, he is set to make his North Geelong debut as the Magpies look to extend their winning streak against Anakie on Saturday.
And he hasn’t ruled out putting his hand up for GDFNL interleague selection for next month’s under-25 clash against Colac and District if coach Paul Lynch makes contact.
“I’m still going to take every opportunity I can that the game throws at me,” he said.
“No matter what level of football it is, I’m going to do what I can to keep playing a good level of footy and getting back to enjoying it.
“Of course, if he reaches out and wants to play me, I’ll be more than happy.”
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