Leo Barry and Ted Richards have much in common, more than being legends of the Sydney Swans Football Club.
Barry and Richards, both defenders, also tasted the bitterness of grand final defeat; a heartbreaking one-point loss to the Eagles in 2006. Both are members of the Swans Hall of Fame . Leaping Leo remains “extremely proud” of his heroics to win in 2005; the only thing on his mind, as the Sherrin flew towards the box, was grabbing it and not letting go. “The moment can’t be underestimated. It had been 72 years. To finish with that, in that part of the game, is something I am really proud of. It was an amazing day.”Seven years later, Richards recalls the pure joy of Nick Malceski snapping the winning goal with 30 seconds left in 2012 and jumping on him.
Richards worked alongside market legend John Sevior at Airlie Funds Management, spent four years at robo-adviser Six Park, and joined stockbroker Wilsons last year. Both are now based in Melbourne, at the MCG end of the city.Barry, who got an MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management while a Swan, says footy skills help a lot in business, especially discipline, and the ability to clearly communicate.
“People expect quality digital experiences and private wealth is no different, from onboarding to the platform, and the shift has only been increasing. That is why I came across, and I really enjoy it,” he says.