One-Eyed Richmond Forum

Football => Richmond Rant => Topic started by: one-eyed on June 15, 2005, 06:03:35 PM

Title: Will we make the finals?
Post by: one-eyed on June 15, 2005, 06:03:35 PM
TIGERS STILL SNARLING
by: Andrew Wu
Exclusive to Sportal
Tuesday, 14 June 2005 1:22:04 PM AEST

The football world has been waiting all season for Richmond to fall away but despite three straight losses and star Nathan Brown being sidelined for the rest of the season with a broken leg, the Tigers would have to collapse in a heap to miss the finals.

The Tigers confounded pundits with their start to the season, winning seven of their first nine matches - all against teams that are currently not in the eight - but were found wanting against the cream of the competition.

They were smashed by Geelong, St Kilda and Melbourne but were honourable in defeat against the Eagles, their first match after losing Brown.

But it was Sunday's 29-point loss to the Kangaroos which will have the Tigers' faithful concerned.

Without Brown's silky skills and goal-scoring power - he was second on the goal-kicker's table with 34 when he was injured - the Tigers, despite six more scoring shots, were unable to make the most of their opportunities, booting a wasteful 10.20 to throw away a very winnable game.

Though players of the class of Brown are irreplaceable, the Tigers will be hoping maligned youngster Kayne Pettifer, who has booted a respectable 17 goals this season, can continue his improved form in 2005 and help fill the void.

The form of veteran Greg Stafford, who has had a forgettable season, would also be of tremendous concern to coach Terry Wallace and his match committee.

The former Swan, who turns 31 in August, has taken 22 marks and had 28 hit-outs from nine matches - numbers that are simply not good enough for a 203cm ruckman - and unless he lifts, Wallace will have no choice but to end his ploy of playing three ruckmen in the team and relegate Stafford to the VFL.

Given his age and Richmond's youth policy, that would almost spell the end of his career.

But all is not yet lost for the Tigers, who can take plenty from their start to the season.

The resurgence of two-time All-Australian Darren Gaspar has eased the pressure on Andrew Kellaway, enabling him to rediscover some of the form he showed in 2000, when he won the club's best and fairest and earned All-Australian selection.

At the other end of the ground, if Matthew Richardson can keep fit and overcome the loss of his right-hand man in the forward line, the Tigers still have a forward capable of taking that all-important contested mark.

The improvement shown by Shane Tuck, and 2003 Jack Dyer Medalist Mark Coughlan's return to full fitness has given their midfield a harder edge and if that pair can continue the form that sees them rank 11th and 12th for possessions after 12 rounds, the Tigers should win enough of the ball to give spearhead Richardson a chance to help them kick a winning score.

With 11 wins likely to be enough to snare a finals berth, it is conceivable that the Tigers, who play struggling trio Essendon, Carlton and Hawthorn and only have to travel interstate twice in the run home, would only have to win one other match to make their first September appearance since 2001.

Not bad for a club that won the wooden spoon last year.

http://www.sportal.com.au/football.asp?i=news&id=66941
Title: Re: Will we make the finals?
Post by: letsgetiton! on June 15, 2005, 06:55:45 PM
we need to win 3 of the next 4 games if we win 2 or less we may slip at the business end of the season
Title: Re: Will we make the finals?
Post by: mightytiges on June 16, 2005, 05:13:08 AM
I reckon it's make or break this weekend. If we win we go to 8-5 and back into the top 4 with a bit of confidence after a win going into the break; if we get done we're 7-6 and possibly only one game away from dropping out. PLus our confidence won't be too good after 4 straight losses. Must win on Saturday night.

With four straight home games we need to make the most of them with our crowd behind them. As you say X we need to win at least 3 of them as our last 7 games are pretty tough. Saints at the 'G plus Port, Freo and the Cats away could be all losses leaving only the Blues, Hawks and Dogs matches to pick up 4 points.
Title: Re: Will we make the finals?
Post by: letsgetiton! on June 16, 2005, 09:22:17 AM
lets just pray we can win the next 5 str8 and shut everyone up and cement our spot in the 8, i believe when our game plan is wrking and the boys are working hard to play as they should we have the talent to make the 8, its just a matter of teh boys sticking to the tasks at hand
Title: Re: Will we make the finals?
Post by: JohnF on June 16, 2005, 09:24:12 AM
We need to stop the rot in the next week or two. If we lose the next couple we will fold. Without Nathan Brown I don't think we can make it. Not enough goal kickers.
Title: Re: Will we make the finals?
Post by: Roar on June 16, 2005, 11:44:15 AM
The buzz word going around is the moment is ' season defining game' and thats this week if we can scrape a win v Crows then the break we have Harts, Tambling, Richo coming back in, the odds say Richo won't play this week.   
Title: Re: Will we make the finals?
Post by: WilliamPowell on June 16, 2005, 01:11:12 PM
If you had asked me after the Roos game I would have said NUP but four days is long time in footy ;D :rollin and now I back to saying YUP   :thumbsup

But this week is crucial in so many ways
Title: Re: Will we make the finals?
Post by: Bulluss on June 16, 2005, 07:08:22 PM
Hate to say it, but i think we will get flogged this week by the Crows and this will continue a downward spiral for the rest of the season.

We have a great coach in Terry Wallace, but he still has many of the same duds as last season.

Sure he cleaned out last season, but i dont expect it to happen in one year. Terry needs atleast another season or two to weed out the people who arent prepared to play for the team and play to instructions.

Bowden is the perfect example, sure he can play good footy but he does what he wants.

Not good enough for someone who was considered for the captaincy.

So that is a BIG No for me.
Title: Re: Will we make the finals?
Post by: julzqld on June 17, 2005, 07:43:51 AM
I don't think we'll beat the Crows either but I think we'll win just enough games to scrape into the top 8.  Which after finishing wooden spooners last year is a big bonus.  Hell, even 15th would be better than last year.
Title: Re: Will we make the finals?
Post by: JohnF on June 19, 2005, 02:40:43 AM
Quote from: TheBull on June 16, 2005, 07:08:22 PM
Hate to say it, but i think we will get flogged this week by the Crows and this will continue a downward spiral for the rest of the season.

We have a great coach in Terry Wallace, but he still has many of the same duds as last season.

Sure he cleaned out last season, but i dont expect it to happen in one year. Terry needs atleast another season or two to weed out the people who arent prepared to play for the team and play to instructions.

Bowden is the perfect example, sure he can play good footy but he does what he wants.

Not good enough for someone who was considered for the captaincy.

So that is a BIG No for me.

How spot on is this call :thumbsup
Title: Re: Will we make the finals?
Post by: mightytiges on June 19, 2005, 07:04:17 AM
Yep Bully was spot on.

We are so much a confidence side and once again after a few losses the confidence is shot and we've gone back to selfish individualistic undisciplined and brainless footy  :banghead  :banghead. Yeah we've copped a few injuries but we are soft  >:(. We'll be lucky to win a game for the rest of the year on current "form" which in the long term might be a good thing  :-\.
Title: Re: Will we make the finals?
Post by: letsgetiton! on June 19, 2005, 10:16:44 AM
unless terry has the balls to be brave and make changes to this line up we are going no where! he has stated its the same usual suspecys (senior players) who continually let the team down! he knows who they are, its 13 weeks in so puiss them off and start ur rebuilding process pahse 2 now, dont wait til next year!!!!

i dont care what anyone says but sugar is hopeless!!!! his disposal in th efirst quarter along with joel bowden set the scene for our thumping!!! we have the obly uninspiring captain in afl!! he is the only captian who cannot and will never change a game, win a game and provide inspiration!!!! he came to our club with a name but til this day has not won a game for us!! stiff chedders if he is a consistant contributor, he is only consistant and snuffing  easy kicks!!! hope he is not captain next yr!!! but im sure he will be!

joel bowden as above!!! gets the ball and is hopeless with it!!! cant believe his lack of skill at times! as sugar, he is a leader but at least he has the ablitu to turn a game , but he has to play hff!!!! he is not accountable enough as a defender!

greg tivendale, i have lost total patience with this fool! if he plays another game 4 us i will  lose my stack! he should be sent to coburg asap, and not just kept in th eside to use as trade bait next yr!!!!

chaffey! he is playing ok, but he is not our future, he should be sent to coburg as tiv ti finish his season off and sent off !

stafford! to old too slow, too injury prone! giove pattison experience as he is our future!!!

darren gaspar!!! dont buy this  garbage that he has had an outstanding yr! he has had one gr8 game imo thus far and i cannot believ that with all his experience, not once did he take front position against the adel defence. at times he got in front with his pace but he staill played from behind!!! he should have known to play 3-5 m infront all day!!!!

mark coglan! too many times this yr he has missed easy goals from very close range cos he wont kick through the ball, but from 40 metre out he is ok as he does kick through the ball! i believe the tigers should trade him to get a real class mindfielder as dal santo!!! i know many tiger fans will hate me but i dont believe cogs is up to it, his body is already worn out! he has the courage, but not the iq required as many players in the team!

i cannot believe that joel and sugar were named in th ebest!!! just because they gathered touches!!! their disposal was pathetic as their decision making!!!! they all went back to the old ways and deviated from the game plan! 

hats off to chris hyde he took all the bumps last night to his head and got str8 back up! he was our only midfielder who continually took risks to break the lines and stick tio the plan!!!

deledio likewise, its time to play him in the middle for the remaider of the season along with jackson and raines, these kids may make mistakes but they do so only because they are learning and young but at least they r are following the game plan and trying!

krak imo is our only player with 100% footy smarts and brains!!!! and for a small bloke he took some strong marks over his head too!

for me our best players were hyde, deledio, krak, jackson, raines and richo!!! not because of how many touches they got but of the quality touches they got!!!


BLOODY HELL WHY CANT HE HAVE A CAPTAIN OR PLAYERS LIKE RICCIUTO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Will we make the finals?
Post by: om21 on June 19, 2005, 11:35:49 AM
Do you beleive in miracles?

When Sydney choke the crap out of us and squeeze another loss...we are finished.
Title: Re: Will we make the finals?
Post by: WilliamPowell on June 19, 2005, 12:37:07 PM
After the "Effort" against the Crows - can I change my vote to

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOPPPPPPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEE

 :'( ;D :help :cheers :banghead :'(
Title: Re: Will we make the finals?
Post by: letsgetiton! on June 19, 2005, 06:17:06 PM
i voted yes on the basis we beat the crows, thus i change to no!!!! until players like sugar increase their accuracy on disposal and players like tiv are gone we are nothing! i was surprised to read that joel bowden was the most efficient player on the ground! he had a total of 86% effective disposals, too bad the 14% were absolute shockers
Title: Re: Will we make the finals?
Post by: mightytiges on June 20, 2005, 05:48:12 PM
Quote from: X-CITED on June 19, 2005, 10:16:44 AM
unless terry has the balls to be brave and make changes to this line up we are going no where! he has stated its the same usual suspecys (senior players) who continually let the team down! he knows who they are, its 13 weeks in so puiss them off and start ur rebuilding process pahse 2 now, dont wait til next year!!!!

i dont care what anyone says but sugar is hopeless!!!! his disposal in th efirst quarter along with joel bowden set the scene for our thumping!!! we have the obly uninspiring captain in afl!! he is the only captian who cannot and will never change a game, win a game and provide inspiration!!!! he came to our club with a name but til this day has not won a game for us!! stiff chedders if he is a consistant contributor, he is only consistant and snuffing  easy kicks!!! hope he is not captain next yr!!! but im sure he will be!

joel bowden as above!!! gets the ball and is hopeless with it!!! cant believe his lack of skill at times! as sugar, he is a leader but at least he has the ablitu to turn a game , but he has to play hff!!!! he is not accountable enough as a defender!

greg tivendale, i have lost total patience with this fool! if he plays another game 4 us i will  lose my stack! he should be sent to coburg asap, and not just kept in th eside to use as trade bait next yr!!!!

chaffey! he is playing ok, but he is not our future, he should be sent to coburg as tiv ti finish his season off and sent off !

stafford! to old too slow, too injury prone! giove pattison experience as he is our future!!!

darren gaspar!!! dont buy this  garbage that he has had an outstanding yr! he has had one gr8 game imo thus far and i cannot believ that with all his experience, not once did he take front position against the adel defence. at times he got in front with his pace but he staill played from behind!!! he should have known to play 3-5 m infront all day!!!!

mark coglan! too many times this yr he has missed easy goals from very close range cos he wont kick through the ball, but from 40 metre out he is ok as he does kick through the ball! i believe the tigers should trade him to get a real class mindfielder as dal santo!!! i know many tiger fans will hate me but i dont believe cogs is up to it, his body is already worn out! he has the courage, but not the iq required as many players in the team!

i cannot believe that joel and sugar were named in th ebest!!! just because they gathered touches!!! their disposal was pathetic as their decision making!!!! they all went back to the old ways and deviated from the game plan! 

hats off to chris hyde he took all the bumps last night to his head and got str8 back up! he was our only midfielder who continually took risks to break the lines and stick tio the plan!!!

deledio likewise, its time to play him in the middle for the remaider of the season along with jackson and raines, these kids may make mistakes but they do so only because they are learning and young but at least they r are following the game plan and trying!

krak imo is our only player with 100% footy smarts and brains!!!! and for a small bloke he took some strong marks over his head too!

for me our best players were hyde, deledio, krak, jackson, raines and richo!!! not because of how many touches they got but of the quality touches they got!!!


BLOODY HELL WHY CANT HE HAVE A CAPTAIN OR PLAYERS LIKE RICCIUTO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Ricciuto was captain last year yet the Crows came 13th. In fact apart from Scott Thomson their 22 on Saturday night were on their list last year. What's lifted them up is the kids that they drafted in 2000-02 have stepped up to senior footy this year after 3-4 years development - Rutten, Bock, Skipworth, Mattner, Hudson, Rielly. Sheesh in 2001 they rookie listed their future FB and CHB. How good was that!  :o Add Ben Hart and Macgregor in top form and it just takes the workload and opposition attention off their old stars.

Footy is a team game and if you have too many passengers like we have the past few weeks then you won't get close to winning. We need our best 22 on the park and firing but injuries are now cutting deep. Plus we are taking injured blokes into games which only makes matters worse. Our depth is still crap and won't improve for at least a couple of years until the young guys develop. However you can't just throw all the young guys in because many of our senior guys suck. Getting smashed by 100 points (a la Hawthron) and crunched by stronger blokes at least 10kg heavier than them every week isn't going to do anything for their development if they can't get their hands on the footy.

PS. The worst captain in the AFL has to be Richie Vandenberg. If you want to see a captain turnover the ball with every possession watch a Hawthorn game  ;).
Title: Out of us and the Dees for 8th spot
Post by: mightytiges on July 18, 2005, 03:29:19 AM
Richmond 9 wins 94.5% 36 ___   Melbourne 9 wins 103.6% 36
v Port Adelaide AAMI           v Fremantle Subiaco 
v Carlton TD                     v St Kilda MCG     
v Fremantle Subiaco           v Adelaide AAMI   
v W.Bulldogs TD                v Geelong SS       
v Hawthorn TD                  v Western Bulldogs MCG
v Geelong SS                    v Essendon MCG 

Looks like it'll come down to between us and Melbourne for 8th spot. We've got to hope the Dees lose their next 4 games if 12 wins are going to get us into the finals given our crap percentage otherwise we'll need to beat Freo in Perth on top of the Blues, Dogs and Hawks.

I can't see us knocking off Port over there. Geelong in Geelong will be ugly  :-\.
Title: Re: Will we make the finals?
Post by: Life goes on on July 18, 2005, 10:32:53 PM
Looks like we will all be barracking for the Bummers in the last round
Title: Re: Will we make the finals?
Post by: mightytiges on July 19, 2005, 02:59:56 AM
Quote from: Life goes on on July 18, 2005, 10:32:53 PM
Looks like we will all be barracking for the Bummers in the last round

If we're not 2 games ahead of the Dees by the time we play Hawthorn we'll miss out o finals IMO :(. Barrack hard for Freo this week instead!
Title: Re: Will we make the finals?
Post by: julzqld on July 19, 2005, 07:46:04 AM
Would be nice to finish just 8th.  Just to stick it up those "experts" who at the start of the year had us finishing in the bottom 4.
Title: Re: Out of us and the Dees for 8th spot
Post by: cub on July 19, 2005, 08:13:37 AM
Quote from: mightytiges on July 18, 2005, 03:29:19 AM
Richmond 9 wins 94.5% 36 ___   Melbourne 9 wins 103.6% 36
v Port Adelaide AAMI           v Fremantle Subiaco 
v Carlton TD                     v St Kilda MCG     
v Fremantle Subiaco           v Adelaide AAMI   
v W.Bulldogs TD                v Geelong SS       
v Hawthorn TD                  v Western Bulldogs MCG
v Geelong SS                    v Essendon MCG 

Looks like it'll come down to between us and Melbourne for 8th spot. We've got to hope the Dees lose their next 4 games if 12 wins are going to get us into the finals given our crap percentage otherwise we'll need to beat Freo in Perth on top of the Blues, Dogs and Hawks.

I can't see us knocking off Port over there. Geelong in Geelong will be ugly  :-\.

Yep that's what me and the nephew went through yesterday - We had Port with 10/11 wins which wont be enough IF we win three so it is out of us v Demons.
He had Melbourne winning 3 which would put us on equal points and our favourite spot 9th - I on the other hand had Dees winning just 2 which would give us 8th spot.

Then again we are no odds on of beating Hawthorn Carlton and the Bulldogs, I would dare suggest we will lose one of those so must try and snag either Port or Freo.

It's coming down to the wire - Ina nutshell all Realistic Richmond people know we aren't good enough to do anything in the finals if we make  it, but gees it would be great to get there, and if we did by looking through the draw and ladder possies would most probably be at the G  :thumbsup
Title: Re: Will we make the finals?
Post by: mightytiges on July 19, 2005, 03:36:49 PM
Exactly CUB.

I don't care if we get smashed in the first week of the finals. As you say CUB we are nowhere good enough yet. But just making the finals would be reward for effort and give the guys a fair bit of confidence in the strategies Wallace and co have put in place. 
Title: Re: Will we make the finals? AFL Site says NUP
Post by: WilliamPowell on July 26, 2005, 04:26:41 PM
Paul Gough in looking at the run home for the teams vying for the eight says where not gonna make it:

RICHMOND:
SEASON RECORD: 9-8, 94.1.

TO PLAY: Carlton (Dome), Fremantle (Subiaco), Bulldogs (Dome), Hawthorn (Dome), Geelong (Skilled).

PREDICTED FINISH: 12-10. The Tigers dropped out of the eight for the first time since round three last weekend but can still make the finals with Melbourne the team they are most likely to replace given the Demons' dreadful form and tough run home. But to do so the Tigers will not only have to beat Carlton and Hawthorn but one of Fremantle or the Bulldogs or possibly both due to their poor percentage.

For the full article see:

http://afl.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=217714

Very insightful don't ya reckon? Wonder how long it took to work out the bleeding obvious :banghead ;D :help
Title: Re: Will we make the finals?
Post by: mightytiges on July 26, 2005, 05:21:32 PM
If we end up with 12 wins it will take a miraculous turnaround in form from the Dees against the Saints, Crows at AMII and Geelong in Geelong to make us miss out. Every game is tough but we are the only side who doesn't face a top 4 side (or top 8 for that matter) in the next 4 weeks. 
Title: Re: Will we make the finals? AFL Site says NUP
Post by: Mopsy on July 26, 2005, 07:29:17 PM
Quote from: WilliamPowell on July 26, 2005, 04:26:41 PM
Paul Gough in looking at the run home for the teams vying for the eight says where not gonna make it:

RICHMOND:
SEASON RECORD: 9-8, 94.1.

TO PLAY: Carlton (Dome), Fremantle (Subiaco), Bulldogs (Dome), Hawthorn (Dome), Geelong (Skilled).

PREDICTED FINISH: 12-10. The Tigers dropped out of the eight for the first time since round three last weekend but can still make the finals with Melbourne the team they are most likely to replace given the Demons' dreadful form and tough run home. But to do so the Tigers will not only have to beat Carlton and Hawthorn but one of Fremantle or the Bulldogs or possibly both due to their poor percentage.

For the full article see:

http://afl.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=217714

Very insightful don't ya reckon? Wonder how long it took to work out the bleeding obvious :banghead ;D :help

Sorry WP but I read it as Richmond 8th with 12-10 and Melbourne 9th with 11-11
Title: Re: Will we make the finals?
Post by: Mopsy on July 26, 2005, 07:41:51 PM
The Bulldogs hold the key to the final make-up of the 8 and on their form against Geelong they are travelling well
If they beat west Coast Brisbane and Melbourne They could finish on 12-10!!!
Title: Re: Will we make the finals?
Post by: letsgetiton! on July 26, 2005, 08:24:43 PM
i hope we make it but we have to win 4 games to cement a spot. i have a gut feeling we will win 3 more games and miss on %. i hope im wrong
Title: Re: Will we make the finals?
Post by: mightytiges on July 26, 2005, 09:55:56 PM
Quote from: X-CITED on July 26, 2005, 08:24:43 PM
i hope we make it but we have to win 4 games to cement a spot. i have a gut feeling we will win 3 more games and miss on %. i hope im wrong

I think since the top 8 was introduced only two times has a club missed the finals with 12 wins. Guess who was both times?!  :P.
Title: Re: Will we make the finals? AFL Site says NUP
Post by: WilliamPowell on July 26, 2005, 10:39:34 PM
Quote from: Mopsy on July 26, 2005, 07:29:17 PM
Sorry WP but I read it as Richmond 8th with 12-10 and Melbourne 9th with 11-11

Yeah I think you're right Mopsy - that'll teach me to read the entire article. :P
Title: Re: Will we make the finals?
Post by: mightytiges on August 14, 2005, 03:55:32 AM
After this round they'll be 5 sides on 10 wins and 3 finals spots up for grabs with 2 rounds to go. If only we had knocked off Carlton  :-\.
Title: Re: Will we make the finals?
Post by: Mopsy on August 14, 2005, 08:15:39 PM
Bang :banghead Goes my Finals Ticket WP
Title: Re: Will we make the finals?
Post by: mightytiges on August 14, 2005, 08:25:44 PM
Quote from: Mopsy on August 14, 2005, 08:15:39 PM
Bang :banghead Goes my Finals Ticket WP

LOL

At least this year it took until round 20 to snuff us out instead being gone by the start of June under Spud. If we could  knock off a out of form Geelong in the last round and score 10 wins for the year it would be more than a satisfactory effort coming off 15 straight losses. 
Title: Re: Will we make the finals?
Post by: WilliamPowell on August 14, 2005, 09:06:44 PM
Quote from: Mopsy on August 14, 2005, 08:15:39 PM
Bang :banghead Goes my Finals Ticket WP


 ;D

Unfortunately yeap Mopsy

Quote from: mightytiges on August 14, 2005, 08:25:44 PM
At least this year it took until round 20 to snuff us out instead being gone by the start of June under Spud. If we could knock off a out of form Geelong in the last round and score 10 wins for the year it would be more than a satisfactory effort coming off 15 straight losses.

Hmmm don't think we're a show against the Hawks MT :rollin
Title: Re: Will we make the finals?
Post by: Ox on August 14, 2005, 09:14:10 PM
We did fine this year considering where we came from and the injury to Brown. :thumbsup

Title: Re: Will we make the finals?
Post by: mightytiges on August 15, 2005, 05:19:47 AM
Quote from: WilliamPowell on August 14, 2005, 09:06:44 PM
Hmmm don't think we're a show against the Hawks MT :rollin

lol.

Seriously I think it's 50/50. They always seem to life against us. Remember they had more scoring shots last time but we kicked straight and got the better of them in the last 10 minutes of the game.

And to be honest I just rather if we're going to win one out of last two games that it'll be against the Cats as it shouldn't affect our spot on the ladder. By round 1 next year a late season win on Sunday against the Hawks will mean squat but 2 more top 5 draft picks to them and a poorer pick for ourselves could hurt us for the next 10 years. Don't give another club a free kick if you don't have to  :thumbsup.