Richo enjoys the personal challenge

Windermere trek ambassador Matthew Richardson gets in a bit of training at the Kokoda Memorial Walk in Upper Ferntree Gully.

The prospect of walking the iconic Kokoda Track to help in the battle against family violence immediately appealed to former Richmond champion Matthew Richardson.
The fact that it also helped Windermere made it a no-brainer.
Richo, as he is more widely known, has been a Windermere ambassador since the latter stages of his 282-game playing career with the Tigers.
He was approached by then Windermere chairman Carl Strachan and began by spearheading a breakfast in schools program for needy children.
“Windermere services a need in the community that does not get the support it should,” he said.
“Any domestic situation where mums and bubs are in trouble does tug at the heartstrings. You would hate to see anyone in your family being exposed to that. I had two young nieces at the time, which made it resonate even more.
“The work Windermere does really strikes a chord with me.”
The challenge of trekking Kokoda also appeals on a personal level.
“It is something that has been at the back of my mind for a while,” he said.
“It’s certainly on the bucket list – and the fact that it’s for Windermere does give you that little kick along.”
Richo said that like many past players, he needed to find a bit of motivation to keep up the fitness levels.
“I do a bit of exercise these days but I certainly don’t smash myself doing it,” he said.
“This is a good way to keep fit and active and help a really good cause at the same time.
“I know people who have done Kokoda and enjoyed doing it, but it really is a physical challenge.”
He said former Richmond team-mates Nathan Brown and Wayne Campbell are all but signed on to the trek and he hoped a few more ex-Tigers would join them on the trip as well.