Words: Steve Pitman & Matt Dorman
Image: @JontiRichter (Twitter)

Far from the usual loneliness of lengthy rehabilitation, Brisbane Strikers star Jonti Richter has found a unique way to spend his recovery from last year’s ACL injury.

Richter, who boats 11 PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland goals, is enjoying regular stints as an ABC Grandstand commentator for Brisbane Roar home matches at Suncorp Stadium.

Alongside professional callers Tom Greenard and Quentin Hull, the 32-year-old is enjoying the challenge of providing analysis in his new ‘special comments’ role.

“On radio your words are what people are relating to, not what they see,” Richter said.

“The first few times I was a little bit nervous but I feel a bit more comfortable about it now.

“I try to be a little bit light-hearted about it while trying to give the people at home a bit of insight into how the game is going.”

Richter has stepped into the commentary box for frequent spots in the absence of Brisbane Roar Youth coach Josh McCloughan, a former teammate at the then-named Queensland Roar.

He might be a household name in Queensland football, but Richter admits he has experienced a few awkward moments in his new endeavour.

“I do get a bit of stick every now and then from a few people about the amount of ‘ums’ that I throw out there,” he said.

“And also for one time when I accidentally said ‘touch judge’ instead of ‘linesman’. Of course, in soccer we don’t have touch judges as in rugby league – but you can’t take that five seconds back and have a re-do.

“But it’s good fun. You do, every now and then, mis-say a word but you’ve just got to get on with it and try and laugh it off.”

While Richter’s immediate career focus is on returning to the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues playing field with Brisbane Strikers – in addition to his own painting and decorating business – the experienced attacker isn’t ruling out further involvement in radio.

“I don’t really see myself going down that path … but you never know what opportunities might come your way and whenever they come along you’ve just got to judge them on merit and go from there,” he concluded.