Tom Derickx Biography

An injury to Mike Pyke has allowed Tom Derickx to become the Swans' no.1 ruckman.

"I love that responsibility and that challenge and think it brings the best out of a lot of players," Derickx said.

"When Pyke went off injured against Brisbane, the runner came out and said, 'I've got bad news'.

"I was like, 'That's bad news for Pykey, but good news for me'. I love that sort of challenge."

The Sydney Swans have handed Tom Derickx a lifeline, signing the former Richmond ruckman as a delisted free agent.

Sam Lonergan retires after 81 games with both Essendon and Richmond while Luke McGuane, Robin Nahas, Tom Derickx and rookie Steven Verrier are told they will not be offered contracts for 2014.

Luke McGuane, Tom Derickx and Matt White have signed new one-year deals to stay at Richmond.

Tom Derickx makes his AFL debut for Richmond at the MCG with 6 disposals (2 kicks and 4 handballs), 5 tackles and 11 hitouts in a 23-point win over Melbourne.

Tom Derickx was drafted when he was 22 and only shot past 200cm at 23 but the ruckman is ready to make his mark with the Tigers.

"I was hoping for a couple of games early but I injured my heel in the NAB Cup—bruised the fat pad—which kept me out until round eight," he said about his first season with the club.

"Then I got a little bit of form back in the VFL. I played five games but broke my ankle, so I missed the rest of the season.

"I still wouldn't mind getting into the midfield and getting into the game. But I'm fine if I just get in the team."