Former Richmond superstar Brett Deledio was unable to bring himself to watch the Tigers' remarkable AFL premiership triumph, fearful of how it would mentally affect him.

The two-time All-Australian and Richmond life member was traded to Greater Western Sydney at the end of the 2016 season, sensing he would have fallen out of love with the game had he remained at the club which drafted him at pick No.1 in 2004.

A serious calf injury meant Deledio did not play his first senior match for the Giants until round 20.

The 30-year-old was largely ineffective for GWS in the 36-point preliminary final loss to the Tigers, a week before they trounced Adelaide in the grand final.