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DELISTED Sydney forward Xavier Richards says he is "not fazed" if he doesn't get another AFL opportunity after being cut by the Swans.

Richards, who played in the club's Grand Final loss to the Western Bulldogs last month, requested to be traded to a Melbourne club in the NAB AFL Trade Period but failed to find a new home, with little interest from rivals.

He now qualifies as a delisted free agent and can sign with another club if a chance arises, but the 23-year-old says he realises it may not happen.

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"I'm not fazed by it," Richards told News Corp.



"Whatever happens, happens, I can study in Melbourne if that's the worst case and be with family and friends.

"Sydney has been great to me and I'm grateful for the time I had there. I decided Melbourne is home and that's where I should be. When you are younger you don't realise how important family and friends are."

Richards, the younger brother of retired Swans defender Ted, played the last 10 games of the year to take his tally to 12 over his career at the club.

He was offered a two-year deal to stay at the club but denies he left to chase more money at another club.

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"I just decided I didn't want to be in Sydney for another two years," Richards said.



"It was a late decision for me, I just wanted to be back in Melbourne. I know a lot of people may not understand that but I think family and friends are more important.



"I've been in Sydney for four years and decided this wasn't for me."



The first delisted free agency period opened on Tuesday, with a number of senior players hoping for an AFL lifeline.

Essendon will re-sign top-up players James Kelly and Matt Dea, while former Eagle Mitch Brown, ex-Docker Michael Barlow and Brisbane Lions small forward Josh Green may also find new homes.