Troy Simmonds Biography

Life after footy holds no fears for Troy Simmonds who, after overcoming a serious condition in 2007, says he is lucky to have life at all.

"I had that life-threatening cardio vascular event back in 2007 and faced a less than 10 per cent chance of living at that time. That changed my whole outlook on life," he said.

"I had no idea what pulmonary embelism was at the time. I was just ready to get back out there and play. It really did set me back and it was a wake-up call. It showed we're not bullet proof and you can't take anything for granted in life.

"I learnt a lot about myself and that is what footy has done. It has been a great training ground for me. I said to the boys this morning it has given me a great vehicle to really learn about myself as a player, as a person and in a team environment."

Simmonds will play his last AFL game against St Kilda next week after announcing his retirement.

"I've got some things going on and and I've got a business in helping other people. I'm writing a book with a business partner that will hopefully be released at the end of the year," he said about his plans for life after footy.

Damien Hardwick has some talented young talls at his disposal, but it will be veteran Troy Simmonds who will shoulder the ruck burden.

"Ruck is an important position, but it's also one where we've got a number of younger developing rucks", said Hardwick.

"It's too early to throw those guys into the rigours of AFL because it's a really hard position to play."

"Troy provides a mature, tough body that can carry the loads of AFL."

Richmond has offered Troy Simmonds a one-year deal as trade week draws to a close.

Interim Richmond coach Jade Rawlings says opting for youth in his first selection does not spell the end for experienced players.

Joel Bowden, Jordie McMahon, Troy Simmonds, Mark Coughlan and Kayne Pettifer were all axed.

But Rawlings said on Friday ahead of training at Punt Road he had talked extensively with all concerned and no problems existed with any of them.

"We haven't put a line through any person on our list,'' Rawlings said.

"I said to all the guys, 'There is no cap on whether it is one week, eight weeks or never again'.

"They will need to go to Coburg and do something about elements of the game that we have discussed with them to be able to give them a chance to be able to come back in the senior side.''

Joel Bowden, in particular, has received strong support from Richmond supporters after his axing.

"I totally understand why he's got plenty of support - I'd be disappointed for him if there wasn't some support," Rawlings said.

"It's been over probably a month - he's been on the borderline once or twice this year already, and to his credit he's fought back really well.

"He can easily generate the ball, he's shown that, but there's just some elements of his game he needs to tighten up."

Rawlings denied he was trying to make a statement with the axings.

"It is a lot of changes from one week to another, but we want to move forward, picking a team we think is going to help shape the future of the footy club and also reward form," Rawlings said.

"People ask 'Is it a statement?' - I don't know if it's a statement, it's just a fact that a lot of those players who are out of the side now haven't been in great form."

Experienced ruckman Troy Simmonds is expected to start up forward against the Brisbane Lions in place of the injured Matthew Richardson.

"I think that Troy certainly has the ability to play as a forward, but he's equally adept in the ruck, so it's not really speaking out of school to say that he'll pretty much play both roles as Angus did last week. So that's what we expect him to do," Richmond coach Terry Wallace said.

Richmond coach Terry Wallace survived the axe this week after four straight losses to start 2009, but it has fallen on under-performing ruckman Troy Simmonds who has been dropped from the side due to poor form.

Jay Schulz, Troy Simmonds and Graham Polak are injured in Richmond's pre-season win over the Swans.

Schulz damaged his ribs after colliding with teammate Matthew Richardson while Polak has a bruised heel. Simmonds has some quad tightness.

X-rays later reveal Schulz as having sustained a crack rib. Schulz will miss Richmond's practice match against Geelong but should be available for their round 1 match against Carlton.

Simmonds has been cleared to play while Polak may also miss the practice match against Geelong.

Richmond announces their leadership group for 2008 consisting of Kane Johnson returning as captain with Chris Newman and Nathan Foley the vice-captains.

Rounding out the leadership group for 2008 will be Troy Simmonds, Nathan Brown, Joel Bowden and Kayne Pettifer.

"It's a great sign for the club to see some of our younger generation emerging as leaders and wanting to take on more responsibility," Tigers coach Terry Wallace said.

"Both Chris and Nathan are very hard working, set great examples, and are very much respected within the group. We look forward to them helping shape the future of our club".