One-Eyed Richmond Forum
Football => Richmond Rant => Topic started by: one-eyed on February 04, 2010, 07:23:51 PM
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Simmonds will be a key for Tigers: Hardwick
richmondfc.com.au
By Mic Cullen Thu 04 February, 2010
THERE are those in the football world who downplay the value of ruckmen, but Damien Hardwick is not one of them.
The new Richmond coach cleaned out many of the club's older players when he took the reins at Tigerland but, tellingly, 31-year-old ruckman Troy Simmonds was not among them.
It was one sign of the importance Hardwick places on his onballers having first use of the football. Another was his decision to enlist former Port Adelaide player and premiership ruckman Brendon Lade as stoppages coach.
Lade was a central figure at Alberton throughout the Power's dominant era and Hardwick is certain he can impart valuable knowledge not only to Simmonds, but to the Tigers' younger brigade of talls as well.
“Ruck is an important position, but it’s also one where we’ve got a number of younger developing rucks", said Hardwick.
"It’s too early to throw those guys into the rigours of AFL because it’s a really hard position to play.”
Which makes Simmonds' 190 games of experience crucial to Richmond's set up this season. Importantly, Hardwick says the big man is in great shape to stand up to the rigors of being the team's first-choice ruckman.
“Troy provides a ... mature, tough body that can carry the loads of AFL.
“He’s had a great pre-season - he had a slight hiccup with an impact injury (ankle), but he’s well on track."
That will be good news for the team's developing ruckman as well, who can concentrate on developing their bodies and their games without the stress of having to carry the top job.
Angus Graham, Tyrone Vickery and Andrew Browne have just 28 games' experience between them and, while Graham and Vickery in particular will be looking to take strides this season, Hardwick is all too aware of the dangers of pressing young ruckman too hard.
“If you go back into the history of the game, there’s not many number one draft pick ruckmen who have played at the same club over a long period of time because they take a long time to develop."
Troy Simmonds is a $299,600 ruckman in this year’s Toyota AFL Dream Team.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/89222/default.aspx
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“If you go back into the history of the game, there’s not many number one draft pick ruckmen who have played at the same club over a long period of time because they take a long time to develop."
or they're just schit.
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“If you go back into the history of the game, there’s not many number one draft pick ruckmen who have played at the same club over a long period of time because they take a long time to develop."
Richard Lounder says high :-X
Josh Fraser would be one who has remained at the one club over his whole career but even Pie fans think he's dud of a ruckman.
Otto was pick 2 and has 2 premiership medallions after changing clubs to ride on the wave of one of the best ever sides :P
We're now hoping Vickery as a top 10 pick ends up a top ruckman and plays the whole of his career at Punt Rd.
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....and wins a few premiership medallions :cheers :gotigers
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Simmonds will only ensure a bottom 3 finish in 2010 without sacrificing the bodies of a vickery, Gus or browne
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It was one sign of the importance Hardwick places on his onballers having first use of the football. Another was his decision to enlist former Port Adelaide player and premiership ruckman Brendon Lade as stoppages coach.
Lade was a central figure at Alberton throughout the Power's dominant era and Hardwick is certain he can impart valuable knowledge not only to Simmonds, but to the Tigers' younger brigade of talls as well.
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Angus Graham, Tyrone Vickery and Andrew Browne have just 28 games' experience between them and, while Graham and Vickery in particular will be looking to take strides this season, Hardwick is all too aware of the dangers of pressing young ruckman too hard.
Of all the changes made, the appointment of Lade may well prove to be the biggest masterstroke of them all.
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Simmonds will only ensure a bottom 3 finish in 2010 without sacrificing the bodies of a vickery, Gus or browne
Facts of the matter is this.
Troy was offered a 2 year contract from both St.kilda and Brisbane,
He knocked both of them back to stay at punt road.
Troy will have a big year. :thumbsup
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lets see how many games he fronts up for.