Richmond Tigers’ best 22: The stat that proves Tigers should bounce back in 2019December 22, 2018
Sarah Olle
FOX SPORTSDepending on who you ask, Tom Lynch will either help or hinder Richmond.
Those in the camp that support the acquisition of the forward believe he’ll complete a Tigers forward line that already boasts three-time Coleman Medal winner Jack Riewoldt, as well as the likes of Josh Caddy, Daniel Rioli and Jack Higgins.
But the haters, conversely, suggest Lynch will disrupt the formula the Tigers have employed to great success over the past two years.
To paraphrase Taylor Swift, Richmond should simply shake off any negativity coming its way.
While the mosquito fleet stunned the footy world in 2017, the majority of premiership sides have possessed two key forwards.
Lynch is the partner that Riewoldt and Richmond requires to once more make it to the last day in September.
And it’s something the club should be poised to do given their shock Preliminary Final exit to Collingwood.
V/@AFL teams finishing H&A 2 wins clear on ladder but missing the GF
2018 RICH
2003 PORT (3 wins)
1973 COLL
1954 GEEL (2 wins but 1.5 games on points)
1901 GEEL https://t.co/WGr3unRTOI
— Swamp (@sirswampthing) December 14, 2018
Indeed, the Tigers are one of only five clubs in the history of the game to finish two games clear on top of the ladder at the end of the home and away season, and not make the Grand Final.
To call Richmond’s fate in 2018 a rarity is therefore an understatement.
The Tigers will still be one of the teams to beat next season — and the recruitment of former Gold Coast co-captain Lynch will only enhance their odds of securing a second flag in three years.
THE LOCKWhile his year may not have been as impressive as his 2017 Brownlow season,
Dustin Martin’s 2018 was still pretty irresistible. Dusty is just plain fun to watch — and part of that is due to the fact that he seldom plays in defence. In fact, going into September, Martin had only racked up six possessions for the year in Richmond’s defensive 50. No player had more score involvements or inside 50s than martin in 2018. And with a fresh start after playing through injury this season, there’s no doubting Dusty will be just as good as ever in 2019.
THE BUBBLE
Maverick Weller joined Richmond under the new list supplementary rules in November. The former Saint looks to be in good physical nick. But cracking into the Tigers’ well settled side will require hard work, and perhaps a touch of luck.
THE RISING STARWe haven’t come across a character like
Jack Higgins for quite some time. The bubbly small forward won over the footy public with his raw and unscripted interviews, while also showing he was more than capable on the field. That the 19-year-old broke into the reigning premiers’ side to play 19 games in his debut season says it all. And that goal against Collingwood? Pure genius.
IT’S A BIG YEAR FOR …
Brandon Ellis. After becoming one of the most celebrated players in the club’s 2017 premiership side, the 25-year-old found himself on the outer throughout 2018. Ellis was dropped after Round 5 and then again after Round 23, watching Richmond’s three finals from the sidelines. The defender becomes a restricted free agent at the end of 2019 and will need to win his spot back in the team if he’s to remain at Punt Road.
BEST 22B: D. Astbury, A. Rance, B. Houli
HB: N. Vlastuin, D. Grimes, N. Broad
C: S. Edwards, T. Cotchin, K. Lambert
HF: D. Rioli, T. Lynch, D. Butler
F: J. Higgins, J. Riewoldt, J. Caddy
FOL: T. Nankervis, D. Martin, D. Prestia
I/C: S. Grigg, J. Castagna, J. Graham, J. Short
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/richmond-tigers-best-22-the-stat-that-proves-tigers-should-bounce-back-in-2019/news-story/88799c65ef67a03dc3df910899b2788f
