Orren Stephenson Biography

Richmond has acted quickly following its elimination final defeat, cutting seven players from its list, including forward Aaron Edwards.

Brett O'Hanlon and Brad Helbig have also been delisted, as well as rookies Orren Stephenson, Ben Darrou, Cadeyn Williams and Todd Banfield.

They join retiring pair Jake King and Daniel Jackson, taking the total list turnover to nine ahead of the upcoming trade and free agency period.

"We'd like to thank all of these players for their hard work during their time at the Richmond Football Club," Tigers football manager Dan Richardson said.

"They have each made their own contribution to the club and we wish them all the best in their future endeavours."

Ivan Maric says teammate and fellow ruckman Orren Stephenson should stay on at the Tigers next year.

"I expect him to be around next year. It would be great for our club," Maric said.

"I think he's been fantastic for our club's culture. He's such a good person, a good family man, and we're lucky to have him.

"He's a great competitor as well."

Richmond rookie recruits Ricky Petterd and Orren Stephenson have been promoted to the senior and Tigers skipper Trent Cotchin believes both will get plenty of opportunities this year.

"They've both played some really good footy over the pre-season and they've trained really well and almost haven't missed a beat, so I'm sure that will come into its own next week when the side is put out," Cotchin said.

"Big O has been fantastic; he's going to be there as a support for big Ivan Maric, and Ricky has come into the side and played a defensive role for us.

"I think it's a fresh start for him and he's pretty excited about it, and hopefully both get an opportunity pretty early on in the season."

Richmond invites delisted ruckmen Cameron Wood and Orren Stephenson to train at Punt Road while also seeking permission for former Gold Coast midfielder Josh Toy.

Mature-age Geelong ruckman Orren Stephenson is optimistic he'll be re-signed by the Cats for the 2013 season and says he will work hard to cement a spot in the senior side each week.

"I definitely think I've got some really good improvement left in me," he said.

"I started the year OK, playing a few senior AFL games at the start of the year, but I've certainly been encouraged my improvement as the year's worn on.

"You get used to the system and the program and I certainly think I can kick on from here and play for a while yet."

Orren Stephenson makes his AFL debut for Geelong with 3 disposals (a kick and 2 handballs), a mark, 2 tackles and 10 hitouts in a 4-point loss to Fremantle.

Twenty-nine-year-old ruckman Orren Stephenson is hoping to make his AFL debut in round one of the premiership season after getting a taste of it in the NAB Cup.

"On the evidence of tonight, he looks capable of holding down a position in the ruck for at least half a game against reasonable opposition," Geelong coach Chris Scott said.

"He couldn't take massive steps forwards tonight, but I think he took a few small steps forward. He's a long way from being a certainty for round one, but he is a chance."

29-year old ruckman Orren Stephenson says it is a surprise to have been picked by Geelong with their last selection in the 2011 national draft.

"Last year was pretty quiet and I thought oh well my times been, I've done everything I can, I'm enjoying my footy at North Ballarat and we'll just press on from there,'' Stephenson said.

"I had a conversation with Geelong last week, but obviously no guarantees. It was a massive surprise, kinda left field a bit.''