One-Eyed Richmond Forum
Football => Richmond Rant => Topic started by: one-eyed on June 14, 2007, 03:11:26 AM
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Mid-season report
John Salvado | June 13, 2007 - 9:50PM | The Age
RICHMOND (16th; 0-10-1)
Positives: Perhaps surprisingly for a team that has yet to sing the club song in 2007, there have been some positives for the Tigers. Nathan Foley leads the league in centre clearances, Graham Polak has been a revelation in his first season since crossing from Fremantle, and for the umpteenth year, Matthew Richardson continues to give his all.
Negatives: Yes, Troy Simmonds and Nathan Brown have been sorely missed. But that's hardly a valid excuse for failing to win a single game in half a season. And the 157-point drubbing by Geelong in round six will surely go down as the most pitiful performance of the year by any club.
http://realfooty.com.au/news/news/midseason-report/2007/06/13/1181414377635.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1
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Mid-season report: Richmond
2:49 PM Fri 15 June, 2007
By Jason Phelan
afl.com.au
http://www.afl.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/208/Default.aspx?newsId=45097
Overall mark: C
* Says apart from the Geelong game we've been competitive for long periods of matches without being able to get over the line.
* Foley leading our B&F. Joel, Lids and Polak also having a good season.
* Best game - Brisbane because we got at least 2 points.
* Best goal - Jacko's pipped Newy's.
* Surprise packets - Polak and King
* Coaches award - King followed by Foley and Polo
* Second half of 2007 - will we win a game: will Browny return: it's all about the kids.
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Mid-season report: Richmond
2:49 PM Fri 15 June, 2007
By Jason Phelan
afl.com.au
http://www.afl.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/208/Default.aspx?newsId=45097
Overall mark: C
* Says apart from the Geelong game we've been competitive for long periods of matches without being able to get over the line.
* Foley leading our B&F. Joel, Lids and Polak also having a good season.
* Best game - Brisbane because we got at least 2 points.
* Best goal - Jacko's pipped Newy's.
* Surprise packets - Polak and King
* Coaches award - King followed by Foley and Polo
* Second half of 2007 - will we win a game: will Browny return: it's all about the kids.
Lol we got a C, according to the new Victorian Education system we are right on track, no better no worse than any other team :lol
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It's not all yellow and bleak
16 June 2007 Herald-Sun
Mike Sheahan
IT WAS a sign of things to come: Kane Johnson won the ball at the opening bounce of the opening round ... and kicked it the wrong way.
The season was off to an embarrassing start for Richmond and its skipper, and has gone downhill from there.
At the halfway mark the Tigers are last on the ladder with two premiership points, the worst start to a season in their 100-year history.
They are one of only 27 teams in VFL-AFL history to fail to win a game in the first 11 rounds.
Most recently, it was Fremantle in 2001. Before that, Sydney in 1993. Freo dumped coach Damian Drum before the 2001 season ended, as Sydney had done with Gary Buckenara in '93.
Richmond isn't going to follow suit with Terry Wallace, yet there are plenty of long-suffering members and supporters who want him brought to account.
Commentators, talkback callers and letter writers, too. Wallace is a protected species, they say. Looked after by his media mates.
The major problem for Wallace is that his club won 10 and 11 games in his first two seasons, prompting high expectations this year.
The problem, though, for those agitating for change is, is that he is only halfway through a five-year agreement. Wallace and director of football Greg Miller are a partnership, and it's a formidable union.
Despite the bleak situation on the field there is unity off the field. Or, if there's not, it is being kept in-house.
The supporter base (membership almost 30,000) seems to be coping better than it usually does.
Injuries to Nathan Brown, Troy Simmonds and Mark Coughlan represent a credible alibi, and there have been creditable performances.
Richmond led by three goals or more in four of the losses: to Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon and Fremantle.
Who knows what might have followed had the Tigers finished off their work after leading Carlton by 30 points five minutes into the third quarter of the opening game?
There's got to be a reasonable measure of talent in the group if it can lead Sydney early in the last quarter and be on terms with West Coast and Adelaide late in the game.
The only sense of achievement so far this year, though, came in the draw against the Brisbane Lions, and that was hollow, given the wasted opportunities.
Bottom line, Richmond is winless and seems a long way off the pack.
How much weight do we attach to injuries when every club is afflicted to some degree?
Basically, injuries always cut deeper at the bottom teams where depth is a problem.
The Tigers are without their best ruckman (Simmonds), their most brilliant forward (Brown) and their premier midfielder (Coughlan).
Brown, you may remember, was up and running, ready to start the season on schedule when he developed a "hot spot" in the leg so badly broken in 2005.
He was named in the team to play Carlton in the first round yet still hasn't played a senior game.
For whatever it's worth, Richmond was 7-2 and third on the ladder in 2005 when Brown was hurt.
Coughlan, the 2003 best-and-fairest winner, has played 12 games in 18 months; Simmonds, one of the three best ruckman in the competition last year, has laboured through four appearances this year.
The query from the outside looking in is that the Tigers always look vulnerable, even when they seem healthy on the scoreboard.
They have a rare capacity to lose control of the ball when all in black and yellow are storming forward.
When their disposal skills fail them, the opposition makes them pay.
It doesn't seem there's the required level of endeavour when they are in defensive mode, either.
Richmond ranks 15th for tackles. By extension, their opposition has been able to make the Tigers pay dearly for turnovers.
On the credit side, Nathan Foley has been a star. Not just for Richmond, but in the competition.
He is fifth for hardball gets and seventh for contested possessions. Yet another ringing endorsement of the rookie list.
While the decision to give up No. 8 in the national draft for a bloke deemed by Freo as expendable was queried, and rightly so, the Graham Polak deal has been successful.
He turns 23 today, now has 84 games to his name, and is blossoming as a key defender at Punt Rd.
Chris Newman has made an admirable comeback after such a serious leg injury and there is much to like about Brett Deledio's work in the past month.
Throw in the continuing development of Andrew Raines and Richard Tambling, the consistency of Shane Tuck, the return of Will Thursfield, and glimpses from Cleve Hughes and there is a bit of gold in what has been a depressingly black picture.
The direction is set. Or should be.
Wallace was seen to imply on the eve of the season that Richmond's best might not be produced on a sustained basis until 2011.
He must stay faithful to the philosophy. The one saving grace about bottoming out is there is only one way to go.
He has to follow the Hawthorn model: taking the best of the biggest youngsters in the draft.
He must hold his nerve, despite the pressure.
Wallace is one of football's more intriguing figures. Has been since his playing days at Hawthorn, the days of leather pants and red sports cars. Everyone has an opinion on him; much of it cynical.
His ill-considered decision to walk out on the Bulldogs late in 2002 and subsequent links to the Swans hurt him badly, and, it seems, he still hasn't been forgiven.
By the Bulldogs collectively, and by much of the football public.
That's why the lust for blood needs perspective.
With Richmond floundering on the bottom of the ladder, he stands accused of stuffing up, of poor list management.
While it's true he was central to decisions to recruit Mark Graham from Hawthorn in the 2004 national draft and Kent Kingsley from Geelong in the pre-season draft this year, it simply is wrong to accuse the Tigers of assembling a Dad's Army in recent years.
The more relevant query on Richmond's recruiting should be the quality (and size) of its selections in the national drafts.
Since Wallace's appointment late in 2004, the only recycling has been the exchange of Aaron Fiora for Simmonds, the selection of the veteran Graham at No. 65, giving up a late draft choice for Patrick Bowden, and trading No. 8 for Polak. Kingsley came for nought.
Fifteen untried youngsters, starting with Deledio and Tambling, have been secured in that time.
Yes, Tambling was chosen ahead of Lance Franklin, but who was to know Franklin would be a superstar? There were those at Hawthorn who had reservations, although they're hard to find these days.
It also happens that Tambling has played 43 matches at age 20 and yet may vindicate his selection at No. 4.
The relevant queries on Wallace this year are the decision to virtually force Darren Gaspar into retirement after five rounds, the failure to give Danny Meyer more than one game at a time, Jack Riewoldt's solitary appearance at senior level and the selection of Kingsley when the future was all that was left to play for.
Kingsley was unlucky to be injured before the season started, but there doesn't seem much point playing a man rising 29 when a team is winless after eight rounds.
I'm not quite sure why, but I'm tipping an exciting second half of the year for the Tigers.
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,21912007%255E20322,00.html
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Can tell you why he is tipping an exciting second half of the year.
He is in love with Plough.
And after talking to Mark Stevens from the age last week, he thinks Plough is god as well. ::)
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I'm surprised that no-one has mentioned Richo's courage, playing after fracturing his eye socket and nose. Surely that deserves a +
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Can tell you why he is tipping an exciting second half of the year.
He is in love with Plough.
And after talking to Mark Stevens from the age last week, he thinks Plough is god as well. ::)
MArk Stevens writes for the HUN Jack - but what does it matter ;D
I actually think it is one of the more balanced articles Mike's written about Richmond over the last 5- 6 years.
And I believe he covers everything well - dare I say it he seems to have stuck to the FACTS :clapping
:rollin
:gotigers :gotigers
And I do agree I reckon our 2nd half of the year will be better than the 1st - we will win within the next 3 weeks :bow :clapping :cheers ;D :gotigers
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Can tell you why he is tipping an exciting second half of the year.
He is in love with Plough.
And after talking to Mark Stevens from the age last week, he thinks Plough is god as well. ::)
MArk Stevens writes for the HUN Jack - but what does it matter ;D
I actually think it is one of the more balanced articles Mike's written about Richmond over the last 5- 6 years.
And I believe he covers everything well - dare I say it he seems to have stucj to the FACTS :clapping
:rollin
:gotigers :gotigers
And I do agree I reckon our 2nd half of the year will be better than the 1st - we will win within the next 3 weeks :bow :clapping :cheers ;D :gotigers
Yeah, get the papers mixed up all the time ::)
Mike reckons that we will have an exciting 2nd part of the season.
I reckon we will struggle to win a game, who is right and who is wrong, a journalist or me.
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Mike reckons that we will have an exciting 2nd part of the season.
I reckon we will struggle to win a game, who is right and who is wrong, a journalist or me.
What about me ;D
We will know in 12 weeks :thumbsup
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I reckon we could win one, would love to see the tiges win 10 games but thats with my heart, reality says we will struggle and fall away towards the end again.
Also everyone expects that Simmo and Brown will make a difference, reality is that both are very undone and will have little impact, Simmo especially.. Brown will be able to pitch hit out of a pocket although opposition rebounders will expose him big time.
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I reckon we will struggle to win a game, who is right and who is wrong, a journalist or me.
Can't wait until you get some self-esteem, you might just really tell us what's what ::)
If we haven't won a game in the first half, gee how much wisdom would it take to think we might not win many in the second half?
Your ego is out of control, Jack :chuck
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Actually if we end up winning some games - I will be ducking for cover because we will be bombarded with people complaining that we've done the wrong thing and lost the number 1 draft pick :rollin
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I reckon we will struggle to win a game, who is right and who is wrong, a journalist or me.
Can't wait until you get some self-esteem, you might just really tell us what's what ::)
If we haven't won a game in the first half, gee how much wisdom would it take to think we might not win many in the second half?
Your ego is out of control, Jack :chuck
Nothing to do with Ego.
Its only my opinion, if you dont like it bad luck
And furthermore other clubs respect my opinion, that is a fact , like it or not, thats your problem.
And furthermore, best thing I ever did was walk away from the RFC.
Wasnt going to put up with people who think they are special and walk on water. Eg David Kings of this world. etc.
I would love to spill my guts on what I know but you wouldnt beleive me anyway as most supporters thing we are headed in the right direction, eg If you think the drafting of Kent Kingsley for example is heading in the right direction, you all are on drugs. Geelong are still laughing! lets all move on.
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And Moi, fact of the matter, you cant win a game.
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And furthermore, best thing I ever did was walk away from the RFC.
:rollin
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And furthermore, best thing I ever did was walk away from the RFC.
:rollin
At least I am with a group of quality people who have a fair idea how to win a game of footy.
Would also think that most supporters have had enough as well, as noticed by the huge amount of empty seats at Home games.
Even you friend mjs has had a gutfull
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And furthermore, best thing I ever did was walk away from the RFC.
:rollin
At least I am with a group of quality people who have a fair idea how to win a game of footy.
Would also think that most supporters have had enough as well, as noticed by the huge amount of empty seats at Home games.
Even you friend mjs has had a gutfull
You are starting to give away too many clues to your idenitity.
:shh
I wonder how many ex-players post on forums?
:rollin
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And Moi, fact of the matter, you cant win a game.
So what do u mean by ,"YOU" Jak?
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And Moi, fact of the matter, you cant win a game.
So what do u mean by ,"YOU" Jak?
The plot thickens...
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Moi is Terry Wallace
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Moi is Terry Wallace
One question...
Did you support the club before your involvement with the club?
'65
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Tony Shaw did the summary. Rohan Connolly, Dwayne Russell and David King were on the panel:
* Shaw said he's pleased with Lids and Tambo as first round picks. Lids needs to be more urgent though. Tambo has shown that urgency.
* Polak has been a great pick up.
* Foley leading our B&F. Just loves his toughness and ballwinning ability.
* Concerned about Paddy's future. We don't have enough skill players for a guy like Paddy Bowden to not get a game. He was dropped before he got injured.
* Liked Polo and McGuane. They have a future
* Schulz - needs to get more of the ball for his ability.
* A caller rang in and said we should do a Hawthorn in this draft and get a ruckman and KPPs with our first 3 picks. King agreed. Said this year showed we missed a ruckman (Simmo), inside midfielder (Cogs) and a forward (Browny).
* King said we're desperate for Casserly to put games together as he had elite skills. His body just hasn't allowing him to do it.
* King said we're happy with our youngsters. It's many of our senior players who need to take the blame if we are going to blame anyone.
* Joel has been terrific. Pavlich got away from him for 30-40mins last week but overall has beaten his direct opponent despite giving away size.
* Raines - happy with him. We compare our players against their direct opponent. Rainesy usually gets more possessions than his direct opponent.
* A caller said many Tiger fans are not happy with Kane as captain. King said Sugar isn't having the year he had last year as a tagger. Some opponents have got away from him. We acknowledge that. It's the other things he does that we value as captain. He set up our leadership program and his leadership around the club is terrific.
* Shaw and Dwayne Russell asked King why we got Kingsley. King said we expected to have a forward line of Richo, Browny, Schulz and Petts (in form) and Kingsley. He didn't cost us anything and it was a speculative pick.
* They then asked King where we expected to finish. King first said you can't really answer that. But as they pushed him for an answer and a caller rang in to say we must have thought differently (about a top 8 finish) at the start of the year to six weeks in as we got rid of Gaspar, King said everyone wants to make the Eight and you don't tell your players you aren't going to make the Eight. Shaw said the Gas decision was the right one. We might have won a game but his foot skills weren't up to it; that's why Joel was sent back.
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Moi is Terry Wallace
One question...
Did you support the club before your involvement with the club?
'65
Went o my first game in 1966 at the age of six, been a memeber for 40 years.
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Moi is Terry Wallace
One question...
Did you support the club before your involvement with the club?
'65
Went o my first game in 1966 at the age of six, been a memeber for 40 years.
Not that it means jack but my opinion of your opinion just improved.
Mind you are a little too negative, I prefer my delusional state to your reality.
:gotigers
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Well I reckon thats better than being too positive, getting a head of your self and being unrealistic with expectations. ;)
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At least I am with a group of quality people who have a fair idea how to win a game of footy.
They didn't last year ;)
Would also think that most supporters have had enough as well, as noticed by the huge amount of empty seats at Home games.
Apart from the Eagles game crowd figures haven't changed or are even up from last year. The draw is the main reason we are down $1m at the gate. Home games against poor drawing clubs. We might jump up and down and carry on at times but we're a loyal lot. The past 25 years proves that :thumbsup.
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* King said we're desperate for Casserly to put games together as he had elite skills. His body just hasn't allowing him to do it.
The poor kid can't take trick :(
* A caller said many Tiger fans are not happy with Kane as captain. King said Sugar isn't having the year he had last year as a tagger. Some opponents have got away from him. We acknowledge that. It's the other things he does that we value as captain. He set up our leadership program and his leadership around the club is terrific.
* Shaw and Dwayne Russell asked King why we got Kingsley. King said we expected to have a forward line of Richo, Browny, Schulz and Petts (in form) and Kingsley. He didn't cost us anything and it was a speculative pick.
* They then asked King where we expected to finish. King first said you can't really answer that. But as they pushed him for an answer and a caller rang in to say we must have thought differently (about a top 8 finish) at the start of the year to six weeks in as we got rid of Gaspar, King said everyone wants to make the Eight and you don't tell your players you aren't going to make the Eight. Shaw said the Gas decision was the right one. We might have won a game but his foot skills weren't up to it; that's why Joel was sent back.
No surprise David King struggled defending Sugar and Kingsley. He also said that it's their job to re-consider where we were at after 6 rounds.
A caller rang up earlier about allowing veterans to play outside the salary cap so if they have just 2 games to go to reach a milestone at the end of the season they can stay on and reach that milestone and then retire. When David King agreed, Dwayne Russell being a smartalec chips in and says like what happened with Gas.
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At least I am with a group of quality people who have a fair idea how to win a game of footy.
They didn't last year ;)
Pointless talking in the past.
Look at Richmond, won 9 games last year.
You are judged on the present, not the past and not the future.
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At least I am with a group of quality people who have a fair idea how to win a game of footy.
They didn't last year ;)
Pointless talking in the past.
Does that include what Wallace said or didn't say 3 years ago or who we drafted or should've drafted ;).
Look at Richmond, won 9 games last year.
You are judged on the present, not the past and not the future.
True but if you don't win the flag then what you do during the year is quickly forgotten come round 1 the following year.
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Dont win a flag? Win cant win a game, honourable losses are crap too I might add.
We had honourable losses under Spud didnt we ?
Than we had 3 X100 point thrashing under Wallace in one season and now we are back to honourable losses in 2007 ::)
Its like a horse race, margins dont matter.
Can tell you, the players will find it hard to regroup in Round 1 2008, then again if you have a change of sceneryEg Coach etc.
Things could change.
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At least I am with a group of quality people who have a fair idea how to win a game of footy.
:lol :sleep :lol - as MT said they didn't last year
Actually to be serious for just a monent that is quite an insulting statement to the those people that we know at Richmond that are quality people Jack ;)
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And furthermore, best thing I ever did was walk away from the RFC.
:rollin
At least I am with a group of quality people who have a fair idea how to win a game of footy.
Would also think that most supporters have had enough as well, as noticed by the huge amount of empty seats at Home games.
Even you friend mjs has had a gutfull
come on jack , be serious, these great ppl u work with and teh list the bombers have are not the reason why they won the past 3 games
the pure and only reason the bombers won the past 3 games were dyue to
LUCK AND UMPIRES!
AND IF IT WASNT FOR THESE 2 FACTORS, everyone from here to the back of bourke will be saying bye bye sheedy, the bombers are crap
dont let lady luck cloud where the bombers really sit
would not be surprised if port thump the bombers