Former father-son Cat Osca Riccardi is set to continue in his famour father's footsteps by joining the Bell Park Dragons in the Geelong Football Netball League for the 2024 season.
After his father, Peter, featured in 288 AFL games for Geelong between 1992 and 2006, Osca became available as a father-son draft option, eventually selected by his hometown Cats during the 2022 Rookie Draft.
Yet, after his time at Kardinia Park came to a close at the cessation of 2023 after being delisted without a playing a senior game, Riccardi made tracks to another of his father's former clubs, signing on with the Dragons for next winter.
However, Osca's arrival comes just as Peter headed for the exit, opting to depart as the club's assistant coach at the completetion of the 2023 season.
"Whilst we have said goodbye to one Riccardi (our assistant coach Peter) we welcome another in Osca who has signed on to play with the Dragons for season 2024 in conjunction with his time at Geelong VFL," Bell Park FC wrote on their Instagram account.
Throughout his 14 games for Geelong at VFL level, Riccardi averaged 12.9 disposals and also bobbed up to kick 10.10 from his post in midfield.
This hybrid skillset is sure to serve the Dragons well in 2024 after the team from Aaron Hutchison Memorial Reserve finished last season in eight place with an 8-win, 9-loss record.
