But there he was, post-degree, at a sun-drenched No 1 Oval last month - helping Old Boys win a three-straight premiership.

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And there he was at a wet No 1 Oval on Saturday - helping the Swans beat Inverell in a season opener as they attempt to end an 11-year premiership drought.

"No, it probably wasn't," the 23-year said when asked if it was his plan to return home after uni.

"I guess applying for a job straight out of COVID, it's difficult times. One [job] opened up in Tamworth, and it was a good opportunity to come home."

Richards, a Farrer and University of Sydney alumnus, is working for Westpac in its agribusiness (he majored in agribusiness at uni).

"It's good to be back here and working with a good team at Westpac. So loving the role," he said.

In 2018, Richards played for the Swans during uni breaks. It was his only Aussie rules experience prior to this season.

At the time, the Swans were coming off a winless 2017 and the lowest point of their proud history.

The 2021 Swans are a different beast, as evidenced by their 63-point defeat of the Saints on Saturday despite losing key players Ed George and Conor Betts after last season's grand final.

Richards, who knew Swans coach Paul Kelly growing up, played centre-half forward against Inverell.

"It's just social at the moment, playing with friends and playing with PK [Kelly] - just enjoying it," he said of his mindset.

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