One-Eyed Richmond Forum
Football => Richmond Rant => Topic started by: TigerLand on September 06, 2022, 05:23:16 PM
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I've put together what I hope is our best 22 side for 2023. I've assumed we get Taranto over the line and losing our first pick in the process but haven't included Hopper in that nor have I included any other 2022 draft picks.
Backline: A few questions to be asked what Miller's role is. With an ageing Tarrant and Grimes and possibly injury prone latter years we may see Miller needing to play backline instead of the role of Fwd/Ruck role. I wonder if it's possible to play Def/Ruck role giving both Defenders a rest as well as Nank, I am unsure how this can work but depending on our needs, Miller becomes very important moving forward.
B: Broad Tarrant Grimes
HB: Vlastuin Balta Rioli
Midfield: I'm coy on Short in the midfield, I felt he tappered off a little bit and wonder if he is better used in defense, as a 1, 2 punch with Rioli. I think Baker could be used better in midfield with Taranto to compliment, in saying that potentially so could Short. But I'll leave him on a bench for midfield rotation. Pickett and McIntosh are decent wingman don't think anyone is challenging for their spot. Bolton spot becomes interesting with Martin being fitter, Do we keep Dusty forward and rotate Taranto and Bolton as Fwd/Mids or do we roll dice with both playing midfield. Think both can work, flexibility is good currency. I'd have Taranto as starting mid, however if its with Cotch and Prestia maybe Bolton pace is a better compliment and Cotch starts half forward to then rotate into midfield with Dusty and Bolton and Taranto go and rest fwd.
C: Pickett Bolton McIntosh
R: Nank Prestia Taranto
Forwards: Dusty being fit is a great plus, he aint going anywhere. I think he will be in rotations with midfield but more forward. Concerns over Cumberland and his running patterns with Dusty there. Jack stays. M.Rioli first picked.
HF: Cotchin Riewoldt Martin
F: Cumberland Lynch M.Rioli
Bench: Miller super important going forward I think, Baker and Graham are best 22 and for team balance I'd love to see a Stengle type inclusion that Geelong did this year. Maurice has a bit of pressure as the only pressure quick player in the fwd line, I'd love a 2nd this may be Clarke, heck it may be a rejuvenated George (washing mouth out) but I'd love to look at other clubs and see if there are any gems in the rough (Think Ash Johnson but a small quick pressure forward type).
Bench: Miller (Def/Ruck), Baker (Mid), Traded in Small Fwd, Short (Mid)
No Graham, Sonsie or Gibcus which upsets me but unsure how we fit them in if all fit and in form?
Not a huge change from 2022, I think if we get our conditioning right and have our best players playing more, getting wins early so we can rest players with luxury of having premiership points on board instead of playing catch up, I think we can do damage in 2023.
2023 Best 22:
B: Broad Tarrant Grimes
HB: Vlastuin Balta Rioli
C: Pickett Bolton McIntosh
HF: Cotchin Riewoldt Martin
F: Cumberland Lynch M.Rioli
R: Nank Prestia Taranto
Bench: Miller (Def/Ruck), Baker (Mid), Graham (Mid), Short (Mid)
Thoughts on any further changes?
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Short in that vacant position on the bench and moves back to his role in defence.
Millers role to be ruck/forward although can play defence if need be.
If hopper comes in he replaces graham.
Sonsie replaces one of the wingman.
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In an ideal world, stack forces himself into the 22. I don’t know where but somewhere. I haven’t given up on my kfc bro.
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In an ideal world, stack forces himself into the 22. I don’t know where but somewhere. I haven’t given up on my kfc bro.
He won't - surely he's a goner? I know he apparently played some good VFL footy but let's get real he showed up unfit again and took half the year to get fit before playing one nothing AFL game this year.
Guys like Sonsie, MRJ etc have already left him for dead.
I don't mind if the club offers him another rookie spot on minimum wage given his talent but I'm expecting them to cut him and wouldn't be too bummed about it given his last couple of years but it would be such a waste and what could have been scenario.
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Need to squeeze Hopper into the starting 18.
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Need to squeeze Hopper into the starting 18.
And Taranto.
Makes you wonder why we bothered signing up Ross for two years lol
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Need to squeeze Hopper into the starting 18.
And Taranto.
Makes you wonder why we bothered signing up Ross for two years lol
Probably didn’t realize we could get both. Ross will be handy depth anyway IMO.
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Posted on twitter:
Tough team to select! #gotiges
Broad Balta Grimes
Vlaustin Short Rioli
McIntosh Hopper Pickett
Martin Cumbo Bolton
Riewoldt Lynch Rioli Jr
Nankervis Taranto Prestia
Cotchin Miller Baker Graham
Emer
Sonsie, Ross, Gibcus, Tarrant, Soldo
https://twitter.com/Bama__11/status/1567799551549128704
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Reckon Tarrant plays 100%.
Also think Broady might be under a little pressure
Pickett/K Mac feels like it can also be improved upon.
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Reckon Tarrant plays 100%.
Also think Broady might be under a little pressure
Pickett/K Mac feels like it can also be improved upon.
Broad safe
Graham out for Sonsie imo. Wonder if he has trade value.
In a year Jack, Cotch and probably Tarrant will be gone too plus I expect at least one of Prestia, Cotch etc to be injured at any given point.
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True Andy but we’re quoting best 22.
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A nice update to have. I don't think Soldo will be around. Graham will be kept in fairly certain.
Broad Tarrant Grimes
Vlaustin Balta Rioli
Short Hopper Pickett
Martin Cumbo Bolton
Riewoldt Lynch Rioli Jr
Nankervis Taranto Prestia
Cotchin Miller Baker Sonsie
Emer
Graham, Ross, Gibcus, KMac
Graham and Ross will play loads. Prestia and Cotch will need to be managed a bit.thibk Gibcus will be called upon again Tarrant and Grimes may need to be rested / injury. KMac will play loads too with Pickett suspensions. It's a wonderful side. Frowards needs addressing.
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Handy midfield in our best 22 for next year :yep.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FcM_55yakAEZ2hY?format=jpg&name=medium)
https://twitter.com/zerohanger/status/1567603898428555265
ps. Don't know why they put a question mark for Dusty.
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A nice update to have. I don't think Soldo will be around. Graham will be kept in fairly certain.
Broad Tarrant Grimes
Vlaustin Balta Rioli
Short Hopper Pickett
Martin Cumbo Bolton
Riewoldt Lynch Rioli Jr
Nankervis Taranto Prestia
Cotchin Miller Baker Sonsie
Emer
Graham, Ross, Gibcus, KMac
Graham and Ross will play loads. Prestia and Cotch will need to be managed a bit.thibk Gibcus will be called upon again Tarrant and Grimes may need to be rested / injury. KMac will play loads too with Pickett suspensions. It's a wonderful side. Frowards needs addressing.
This is my 22 also but waiting for trades to be finalised so not to jinx it lol. Think short goes back to half back flank and baker is added to the mid/forward rotation. Sonsies overhead contested marking really makes me think that he can play the wing role well so I’d have him there.
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According to Jon Ralph in the HeraldSun today:
Richmond’s Best 22 In Round 1 2023
FB: Robbie Tarrant Noah Balta Nathan Broad
HB: Nick Vlastuin Dylan Grimes Daniel Rioli
C: Jayden Short Tim Taranto Kamdyn McIntosh
HB: Shai Bolton Jack Riewoldt Maurice Rioli
F: Dustin Martin Tom Lynch Noah Cumberland
R: Toby Nankervis Dion Prestia Jacob Hopper
INT: Liam Baker Ben Miller Marlion Pickett Trent Cotchin Tyler Sonsie
EMERG: Josh Gibcus Jack Ross Jack Graham Hugo Ralphsmith
Source: HeraldSun (https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-2022-latest-trade-free-agency-and-contract-updates/news-story/2cbcf5e26fce931a5bab363774a3dd9f).
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Bit gutless by Ralphy to name a sub lol.
Makes you think about our depth and that whether Castagna will be traded for steak knives.
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Richmond’s Best 22 In Round 1 2023
FB: Nick Vlastuin Noah Balta Dylan Grimes
HB: Jayden Short Robbie Tarrant Daniel Rioli
C: Hugo Ralph-Smith Tim Taranto Kamdyn McIntosh
HB: Shai Bolton Jack Riewoldt Dusty
F: Liam Baker Tom Lynch Maurice Rioli
R: Toby Nankervis Dion Prestia Jacob Hopper
INT: Ben Miller Nathan Broad Trent Cotchin Tyler Sonsie
EMERG: Josh Gibcus Jack Ross Jack Graham Marlion Pickett
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We need pace and running horse power on the wings, backing Hugo to put in a huge one over the pre season. Somsie might come out for Jack Ross or Jack Graham. Will depend on fitness and pre season.
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We need pace and running horse power on the wings, backing Hugo to put in a huge one over the pre season. Somsie might come out for Jack Ross or Jack Graham. Will depend on fitness and pre season.
Agree - a big preseason will see Hugo playing a very important role in our running game.
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He needs a defensive side to his game and a lot more ticker at the present time. Not convinced in the slightest yet
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"These two guys coming in and taking the bulk of responsibility, it opens Cotchin and Martin up to play elsewhere like Dangerfield and Selwood for Geelong this year."
(https://abs-0.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/27a1.png) David Noble on Taranto and Hopper coming into Richmond
https://twitter.com/traderadio/status/1574636203910971392
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"These two guys coming in and taking the bulk of responsibility, it opens Cotchin and Martin up to play elsewhere like Dangerfield and Selwood for Geelong this year."
(https://abs-0.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/27a1.png) David Noble on Taranto and Hopper coming into Richmond
https://twitter.com/traderadio/status/1574636203910971392
Here's the clip of Noble and Barrett's discussion about the make up of our side next year:
Watch here: https://twitter.com/traderadio/status/1574662373033627649
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Richmond’s Best 22 In Round 1 2023
FB: Nick Vlastuin Noah Balta Dylan Grimes
HB: Jayden Short Robbie Tarrant Daniel Rioli
C: Hugo Ralph-Smith Tim Taranto Kamdyn McIntosh
HB: Shai Bolton Jack Riewoldt Dusty
F: Liam Baker Tom Lynch Maurice Rioli
R: Toby Nankervis Dion Prestia Jacob Hopper
INT: Ben Miller Nathan Broad Trent Cotchin Tyler Sonsie
EMERG: Josh Gibcus Jack Ross Jack Graham Marlion Pickett
Pretty close I think but I'm not sure about the Pickett to Ralph-Smith change. I reckon Pickett had a great season this year and deserves to be ahead.
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We need a Ed Langdon circa 2021 type.
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Richmond’s Best 22 In Round 1 2023
FB: Nick Vlastuin Noah Balta Dylan Grimes
HB: Jayden Short Robbie Tarrant Daniel Rioli
C: Hugo Ralph-Smith Tim Taranto Kamdyn McIntosh
HB: Shai Bolton Jack Riewoldt Dusty
F: Liam Baker Tom Lynch Maurice Rioli
R: Toby Nankervis Dion Prestia Jacob Hopper
INT: Ben Miller Nathan Broad Trent Cotchin Tyler Sonsie
EMERG: Josh Gibcus Jack Ross Jack Graham Marlion Pickett
IMO
No way is Ralphsmith in our best 22 or 23
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Richmond’s Best 22 In Round 1 2023
FB: Nick Vlastuin Noah Balta Dylan Grimes
HB: Jayden Short Robbie Tarrant Daniel Rioli
C: Hugo Ralph-Smith Tim Taranto Kamdyn McIntosh
HB: Shai Bolton Jack Riewoldt Dusty
F: Liam Baker Tom Lynch Maurice Rioli
R: Toby Nankervis Dion Prestia Jacob Hopper
INT: Ben Miller Nathan Broad Trent Cotchin Tyler Sonsie
EMERG: Josh Gibcus Jack Ross Jack Graham Marlion Pickett
IMO
No way is Ralphsmith in our best 22 or 23
Also either forgotten about or completely left out Cumberland even from the emergencies.
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Richmond’s Best 22 In Round 1 2023
FB: Nick Vlastuin Noah Balta Dylan Grimes
HB: Jayden Short Robbie Tarrant Daniel Rioli
C: Hugo Ralph-Smith Tim Taranto Kamdyn McIntosh
HB: Shai Bolton Jack Riewoldt Dusty
F: Liam Baker Tom Lynch Maurice Rioli
R: Toby Nankervis Dion Prestia Jacob Hopper
INT: Ben Miller Nathan Broad Trent Cotchin Tyler Sonsie
EMERG: Josh Gibcus Jack Ross Jack Graham Marlion Pickett
IMO
No way is Ralphsmith in our best 22 or 23
My team is based on round 1, 2023.
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Now that the boys have signed on the dotted line….
FB: Grimes, Tarrant, Vlastuin
HB: Short, Balta, Rioli
C: Pickett, Prestia, Sonsie
HF: Bolton, Lynch, Dusty
FF: Cumberland, Riewoldt, MRJ
Fol: Nankervis, Hopper, Taranto
Int: Broad (def), Cotchin (mid), Baker (mid/fwd), Miller (ruck/fwd)
Emergencies -
Def: Gibcus, Biggie, Brown, Mansell
Mid: Graham, McIntosh, Ross, Ralphsmith, Dow, Banks
Ruck: Soldo, Ryan
Fwd: Bauer, Clarke, Castagna
If there is a 23rd man added as is rumoured then I’d add Graham to the lineup or if Sonsie isn’t suited to the wing role (I think he’d do well on the wing based on his skill set) then McIntosh instead.
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Now that the boys have signed on the dotted line….
FB: Grimes, Tarrant, Vlastuin
HB: Short, Balta, Rioli
C: Pickett, Prestia, Sonsie
HF: Bolton, Lynch, Dusty
FF: Cumberland, Riewoldt, MRJ
Fol: Nankervis, Hopper, Taranto
Int: Broad (def), Cotchin (mid), Baker (mid/fwd), Miller (ruck/fwd)
Emergencies -
Def: Gibcus, Biggie, Brown, Mansell
Mid: Graham, McIntosh, Ross, Ralphsmith, Dow, RCD, Banks,
Ruck: Soldo, Ryan
Fwd: Bauer, Stack, Clarke, Castagna
If there is a 23rd man added as is rumoured then I’d add Graham to the lineup or if Sonsie isn’t suited to the wing role (I think he’d do well on the wing based on his skill set) then McIntosh instead.
That's one hell of a team. I was thinking that Hardwick was already engaging in team psychology at the JD medal; he knows that if he has it in the players' minds that they were serious contenders this year they will walk tall from the start in 2023 with Hopper and Taranto added to the side. He has them thinking, "if we should have won it last year, we WILL win it this year."
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For me im picking the best available mids with rotations.
The best defenders
The best pure forwards
The best second ruck option
The best tall options moving fwd given the age of the tall fwds we have.
FB: Vlastuin 187/87 - 28/190 - Tarrant 196/96 33/194 - Grimes 194/91 31/207.. At the start of the season thats an average age of nearly 32
HB: D Rioli 179/77 25/137 - Gibcus 196/?? 19/18 - Broad 192/87 29/107. Keep putting games into Gibcus. Thats our best 6 bar Gibcus but he played 18 games yes a few gifted but with a good pre season and some more size he will be much improved and could hold down a key post.
C: Pickett 184/84 31/57 - Taranto 187/87 25/114 - McIntosh 191/92 29/146. Simply put the two wingers are easily the best performed to date.
R: Nankervis 199/102 28/121 - Hopper 187/88 26/114 - Prestia 175/82 30/192.
HF: Cumberland 183/81 22/9 - Balta 194/102 23/62 - Bolton 175/77 24/90. Cmon people Noah C is a monty as a pure fwd.
FF: Riewoldt 193/92 34/326 - Lynch 199/99 30/212 - M Rioli 179/75 20/17. For as long as we only have the two genuine KPF on the list one of Balta or Miller will have to be played as a key fwd. For me that is Balta.Yes we have been there before but the more he plays there the better he will get.
INT: Martin 187/92 31/269 - Cotchin 185/86 33/287 - Sonsie 181/?? 20/7 - Miller 198/98 23/12. Miller because he really looks likely as a ruckman who also gives us options either fwd or back.Martin and Cotch on the bench and a part of rotations makes sense given their injury history lately and their age.we could lso throw Prestia in the same basket if we wanted and started Bolton on ball.
Okay some obvious omissions. Short He now does not make it as a mid and the 6 selected in the back line are way in front of him as defenders just my opinion of course.
Graham has slid down the midfield list easily.
Baker is he in front of the selected defenders or the mids. Honest answer is no.
Ross is no longer in the picture as a mid.
Wing is an interesting one. Based on last year Pickett is as safe as houses. McIntosh thats another story. We need at least one wing with great skills who is quick and can break lines and runs both ways.In this id be looking for an alternative like Banks or Possibly Ralphsmith but the latter has a way to go as far as!! no wont say that.
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This midfield catapults Richmond back into flag contention. A super six with Graham, Baker, Short & Sonsie pinch-hitting
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FexhkatVUAYK0zz?format=jpg&name=900x900)
https://twitter.com/cleary_mitch/status/1579744854942560260
https://twitter.com/7NewsMelbourne/status/1579741312336924672
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Brereton on Fox Footy's Trading Day show had Nank, Hopper, Prestia & Bolton as our starting centrebounce foursome.
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My starting side for Round 1 2023
I am assuming that the bench increases to 5 replacing the stupid sub rule
FB: Robbie Tarrant Noah Balta Nathan Broad
HB: Nick Vlastuin Dylan Grimes Daniel Rioli
C: Marlion Pickett Tim Taranto Kamdyn McIntosh
HB: Shai Bolton Jack Riewoldt Maurice Rioli
F: Dustin Martin Tom Lynch Noah Cumberland
R: Toby Nankervis Dion Prestia Jacob Hopper
INT: Liam Baker Jayden Short Trent Cotchin Tyler Sonsie Jack Graham
EMERG: Josh Gibcus Jack Ross Ben Miller Sam Banks
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I’ve heard about the bench increasing to 5 but not 6 WP :snidegrin
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I’ve heard about the bench increasing to 5 but not 6 WP :snidegrin
Oops
Fixed :rollin
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My starting side for Round 1 2023
I am assuming that the bench increases to 5 replacing the stupid sub rule
FB: Robbie Tarrant Noah Balta Nathan Broad
HB: Nick Vlastuin Dylan Grimes Daniel Rioli
C: Marlion Pickett Tim Taranto Kamdyn McIntosh
HB: Shai Bolton Jack Riewoldt Maurice Rioli
F: Dustin Martin Tom Lynch Noah Cumberland
R: Toby Nankervis Dion Prestia Jacob Hopper
INT: Liam Baker Jayden Short Trent Cotchin Tyler Sonsie Jack Graham
EMERG: Josh Gibcus Jack Ross Ben Miller Sam Banks
That looks right. The only question being whether Miller comes in for one of the mid rotations. It's one hell of a team. I hope they're fired up and hit the track hard this pre-season.
Gibcus can develop his body and work with Truck in the reserves until he is needed when bigger, older bodies are managed/injured. We need old heads in the right places at the right moments during crucial games. His time will come in a year or two when Tarrant departs.
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My starting side for Round 1 2023
I am assuming that the bench increases to 5 replacing the stupid sub rule
FB: Robbie Tarrant Noah Balta Nathan Broad
HB: Nick Vlastuin Dylan Grimes Daniel Rioli
C: Marlion Pickett Tim Taranto Kamdyn McIntosh
HB: Shai Bolton Jack Riewoldt Maurice Rioli
F: Dustin Martin Tom Lynch Noah Cumberland
R: Toby Nankervis Dion Prestia Jacob Hopper
INT: Liam Baker Jayden Short Trent Cotchin Tyler Sonsie Jack Graham
EMERG: Josh Gibcus Jack Ross Ben Miller Sam Banks
That looks right. The only question being whether Miller comes in for one of the mid rotations. It's one hell of a team. I hope they're fired up and hit the track hard this pre-season.
Gibcus can develop his body and work with Truck in the reserves until he is needed when bigger, older bodies are managed/injured. We need old heads in the right places at the right moments during crucial games. His time will come in a year or two when Tarrant departs.
Agreed, I actually think Graham loses his spot here behind Cotchin, Sonsie and Short etc.
Miller required as ruck relief.
I'm sure one of the talls will go down at some stage so there will be opportunities for Gibcus also, although it bothers me to see him as an emergency. Don't see Tarrant playing too much longer.
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Happy for Gibcus to spend a year in the twos before he replaces Taz in 2024.
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My starting side for Round 1 2023
FB: Dylan Grimes (c) Robbie Tarrant Nathan Broad
HB: Nick Vlastuin Noah Balta Daniel Rioli
C: Marlion Pickett Dion Prestia Kamdyn McIntosh
HB: Shai Bolton Dustin Martin Maurice Rioli
F: Jack Riewoldt Tom Lynch Noah Cumberland
R: Toby Nankervis (c) Tim Taranto Jacob Hopper
I: Liam Baker (U) Jayden Short (B/M) Trent Cotchin (M) Tyler Sonsie (M/F) Ben Miller (B/R)
E: Jack Graham (M/F) Josh Gibcus (B) Jack Ross (M)
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Looks about right to me, there is always injuries and they will rest some of the older player with niggles where they can
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I can’t have KMac and Pickett on those wings. Reckon one has to make way for speed and more creative disposal inside 50
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My starting side for Round 1 2023
FB: Josh Gibcus Dylan Grimes Noah Balta
HB: Jayden Short Nick Vlastuin Daniel Rioli
C: Marlion Pickett Jacob Hopper Kamdyn McIntosh
HF: Maurice Rioli Noah Cumberland Shai Bolton
F: Jack Riewoldt Tom Lynch Dustin Martin
R: Toby Nankervis (c) Dion Prestia Tim Tarranto
I: Trent Cotchin (M) Ben Miller (B/R/F) Tyler Sonsie (M/F) Jack Graham (M/F)
Sub: Liam Baker
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Happy for Gibcus to spend a year in the twos before he replaces Taz in 2024.
Sheesh the kid has already shown he belongs and is one hell of a prospect with 18 games behind him already, and your happy to see him rot in the two's.
To replace the likes of Tarrant it will be EXPERIENCE IN THE SENIORS that will allow that.
The backline over the last 7 or so seasons has always been tall. We could do that because while Grimes and Broad are tall they are versatile and are very good in every role in the backline. Sheesh think about it we need a player to play on the oppositions best small, to this day Grimes is the best option.Broad is a very versatile player as well can play kpp at a pinch but also plays his best on like sized or smaller players and actually provides plenty of run out.
If you take the view that they are not tall then we can play such a talent like Gibcus as a tall.
Reckon with another preseason behind him Josh will be ready to play kp.
Imo absolute folly for us as a club to continue to play nothing but the oldies over the very good kids we have. Finding the right balance is a must and if that means one or two of the older blokes miss out as starting players then so be it.
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He didn't look like he belonged by the end of the year, particularly in the Brisbane final.
It's not either/or. Grimes, Tarrant, and Balta gets the bulk of the games (form permitting) and Gibcus plays 12-15 games maximum, continues to build his frame, and continues to hone his craft in the twos. He's got his whole career ahead of him, but we need cool heads on experienced shoulders from the start in 2023.
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Yep , he was up and down throughout the year as you'd expect from a kid.
Has shown great attributes but only gets a game on merit next year. I'd love it if he was able to hold down a spot as a key defender which would potentially force Tarrant out but he's got a long way to go. In serious need of getting some pig in him this kid.
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I thought his form dropped off significantly after the bye. Seemed to tire and lose confidence and by the time the elimination final rolled around he was dropping uncontested marks, missing targets by hand and foot and coughing up the ball under pressure. It was his first year and so all of that can be expected and I’m confident we have a very good long term key position defender on our hands.
But in a thread titled ‘best 22 for 2023’ as in if every single player is fit for a one off must win game I have grimes, Tarrant, broad and balta ahead of him as key position defenders. That doesn’t mean he isn’t going to play any games as we all know it’s highly unlikely the 4 players I named manage to get through the season without an injury. Also who knows after another preseason, Gibcus could start the year in ripping form and go past the more senior players but for now based on last seasons form he’s behind them for me.
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I thought his form dropped off significantly after the bye. Seemed to tire and lose confidence and by the time the elimination final rolled around he was dropping uncontested marks, missing targets by hand and foot and coughing up the ball under pressure. It was his first year and so all of that can be expected and I’m confident we have a very good long term key position defender on our hands.
But in a thread titled ‘best 22 for 2023’ as in if every single player is fit for a one off must win game I have grimes, Tarrant, broad and balta ahead of him as key position defenders. That doesn’t mean he isn’t going to play any games as we all know it’s highly unlikely the 4 players I named manage to get through the season without an injury. Also who knows after another preseason, Gibcus could start the year in ripping form and go past the more senior players but for now based on last seasons form he’s behind them for me.
Hmm he played 18 games id say he is currently on a pretty even level with all of them.
FFS WE HAD A SKINNY UNDERSIZED KID AND HE DROPPED OFF AT THE END OF THE SEASON. ffs what about the upside.
Grimes is copping injuries and is 31, Tarrant is 34 basically Balta had a very ordinary year as well and that makes a few in a row and as a backman he has hardly performed despite the angle most here come from.
Potentially the best kpd we have is Gibcus and we already have 18 games into him inone season its absolute folly imo to not be looking for improvementand a potential 22 games for the year.
At some stage we have to back in the good kids we have over ageing declining players. It is totally crazy not to expect Gibcus to keep on improving.
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Literally no one said that he wouldn't continue to improve.
Wait, I can strengthen my point here.
FFS Literally no one said that he wouldn't continue to improve FFS.
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Yeah, WTF are you talking about Claw? No one has said a word about Gibcus not improving...just that he will have to earn most of his games next year.
We are going for another premiership mate, we can mix going with our best line up with developing kids throughout the year. What we can't afford to do is pick someone for a final who is horribly out of form like we did last season.
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Read the title of the thread again Claw, it’s ‘best 22’. Not pick a team with the most upside. Gibcus will get plenty of games next season through injuries/rotations etc. But as I specifically said, going on most recent form for me (and seems many others) he is behind the other 4 key position defenders. If you think differently then fair enough.
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Literally no one said that he wouldn't continue to improve.
Wait, I can strengthen my point here.
FFS Literally no one said that he wouldn't continue to improve FFS.
You forget to add a few sheeshs in there.
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I think it’s forgotten that he is 19 and didn’t get a pre season in. He was playing against hardened players and will only get better for this years run. It will be hard to keep him out now of the side and he now knows what it’s all about
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Literally no one said that he wouldn't continue to improve.
Wait, I can strengthen my point here.
FFS Literally no one said that he wouldn't continue to improve FFS.
You forget to add a few sheeshs in there.
:rollin :rollin
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I'm with claw on this one. Gibcus plays round 1 IMO, especially if he's added a few kg in the gym. To me, Tarrant is the back-up if Gibcus or Balta get injured or aren't performing, not the other way around.
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I'm with claw on this one. Gibcus plays round 1 IMO, especially if he's added a few kg in the gym. To me, Tarrant is the back-up if Gibcus or Balta get injured or aren't performing, not the other way around.
Yes and to your last point, Gibcus wasn’t performing at the end of last season which is why I have the other key position defenders ahead of him.
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Sure, but I don't reckon you pick Round 1 based on last year. I reckon you pick Round 1 on preseason, and preseason form. Just my opinion.
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Sure, but I don't reckon you pick Round 1 based on last year. I reckon you pick Round 1 on preseason, and preseason form. Just my opinion.
100% true but this thread is open now so all we have to go off by is last seasons form. Otherwise you could say similar about clarke, banks, brown, etc.
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I'm with claw on this one. Gibcus plays round 1 IMO, especially if he's added a few kg in the gym. To me, Tarrant is the back-up if Gibcus or Balta get injured or aren't performing, not the other way around.
Yes and to your last point, Gibcus wasn’t performing at the end of last season which is why I have the other key position defenders ahead of him.
Same, his last 6-8 weeks in particular were very poor
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I'm with claw on this one. Gibcus plays round 1 IMO, especially if he's added a few kg in the gym. To me, Tarrant is the back-up if Gibcus or Balta get injured or aren't performing, not the other way around.
Yes and to your last point, Gibcus wasn’t performing at the end of last season which is why I have the other key position defenders ahead of him.
Same, his last 6-8 weeks in particular were very poor
Which is understandable for a 1st year player.
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(https://www.bigfooty.com/forum/attachments/richmond-jpg.1537277/)
https://www.theinnersanctum.com.au/afl-your-clubs-way-too-early-best-23-for-2023/
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It's a good looking team on paper. Hopefully it works as well as it looks.
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Just a reminder to stick to the topic without the petty digs, snide cheapshots, baiting and trolling
People don't have to agree with one another, debate is good. It can be done without any of the above
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Anyone know or heard how Dylan's hamstring recovered after surgery. Hopefully he is right to go early in pre-season
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Was hoping my warning would be enough without having to SNIP :banghead
But clearly not
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Why on earth did you delete my post? If you can't comment on comments that have been made regarding football then what hope is there
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The mods giveth and the mods taketh away. Blessed be the name of the mods.
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The mods giveth and the mods taketh away. Blessed be the name of the mods.
😁
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People making comment on Gibcus dropping off and fair enough, but no one talking about Balta and how ordinary he was most of the year including when he went back to defense at times..
I just think its a must we find that good balance of long term verses short term and get our share of better younger blokes to 60 80 games as quickly as possible.
Miller, Gibcus, Sonsie are too good to just leave in the two's. Miller in particular has done a long apprenticeship and now needs to be played.
For me as the teams swingman, we know he can play defense, we know he can play as a competent second ruck and he looks likely as a fwd.
When it comes to our tall structure he provides real good versatility and cover.
Sonsie just oozes class no way would any side now leave him out, especially with another preseason behind him. Imo he is already the 7th best mid we have which means he starts on the pine but he can also play fwd as well. Taranto, Cotchin, Prestia, Hopper, Martin, Bolton and Sonsie
Should all play midfield in front of the remaning mids on the list.
Same for Gibcus.
For me we have 5 blokes who are genuine key defenders.
Tarrant, Miller, Balta, Gibcus, Nyuon, and at a pinch if it came to it Grimes but Grimes can play other roles very well and is a better option in many of them.
Can tick Miller off as i think he has shown most as a second ruck come fwd. Atm play him well in front of Soldo.I think Soldo is not in competition with Miller but Nankervis for the first ruck job.
Atm Nyuon is behind all of them but who knows he may have a break out season what then.
i know it is not a popular opinion but i firmly believe we need another tall actually playing fwd and developing into the role as he goes with the two mature boys there to help and not relying on just TL and JR. We need to show patience with them in the role. For me that person should be Balta still. The process has already begun and no one can tell me he is not the most credentialed player and experienced to get the role.
If not Balta then someone.
Spine would go
Tarrant - Gibcus - Taranto - Balta - Lynch. This scenario we get the best of both worlds. we get our best fwd prospect playing there and we have him covered with potentially the best kpd on our list who continues to get games in Gibcus.
Third talls who play other roles would go
Grimes - Broad both regularly play on smaller players.
Ruck would go
1st Nankervis - 2nd Miller instead of Soldo for his better rounded game and his versatility.
Small/Medium forwards would go
Rioli, Cumberland, Bolton, Sonsie, Martin the first two are already permanent fwds and the others already rotate thru there. Ask yourself do we need to pick other small/mediums for a fwd role. Answer imo is no.
Just about everyone agrees the wing roles for now are taken. Pickett and McIntosh, but they are roles that should be looked at for reasons that people have already mentioned.
It all means if we pick the best option for each role and we do the best we can to cover the tall fwd short comings we have then some favorites are likely to miss games.
FB: Vlastuin - Tarrant - Grimes
HB: Broad - Gibcus - D Rioli
C: Pickett - Taranto - McIntosh . Im hoping for a kid to step up here.
R: Nankervis - Hopper - Bolton
HF: Martin - Balta - Cumberland
FF: M Rioli - Lynch - Riewoldt.
INT: Miller - Cotchin - Prestia - Sonsie - Baker/Graham/Short.
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I mean I think everyone’s got pretty much the same side with maybe 1-3 differences.
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Every AFL club’s best 22 for 2023 after the trade period
David Zita, Ben Cotton and Catherine Healey
Fox Sports
October 18th, 2022
RICHMOND
B: Dylan Grimes, Robbie Tarrant, Nathan Broad
HB: Nick Vlastuin, Noah Balta, Dan Rioli
C: Kamdyn McIntosh, Jacob Hopper, Marlion Pickett
HF:Tim Taranto, Jack Riewoldt, Shai Bolton
F: Noah Cumberland, Tom Lynch, Maurice Rioli Jr
FOLL: Toby Nankervis, Dion Prestia, Dustin Martin
I/C: Liam Baker, Jayden Short, Trent Cotchin, Tyler Sonsie
In: Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper
Out: Josh Caddy, Kane Lambert, Matthew Parker, Shane Edwards, Sydney Stack, Jake Aarts, Riley Collier-Dawkins
WE SAY: Damien Hardwick has got two new ‘set and forget’ operators in Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper. Both will add immediate depth and potency to a Richmond midfield brigade that has at times been very thin. Their arrivals won’t make things any easier for Jack Graham as he attempts to break into the side more consistently, but it’s a healthy competition for spots. Dustin Martin’s position is highly dependant on how his body holds up, but with a great pre-season he could return to his midfield-forward best. The likes of Josh Gibcus may have to bide their time at the start of the year.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/new-faces-selection-squeezes-every-afl-clubs-best-22-for-2023-after-the-trade-period/news-story/ba1174c5796b51dff62337a03fc51081
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Every AFL club’s best 22 for 2023 after the trade period
David Zita, Ben Cotton and Catherine Healey
Fox Sports
October 18th, 2022
RICHMOND
B: Dylan Grimes, Robbie Tarrant, Nathan Broad
HB: Nick Vlastuin, Noah Balta, Dan Rioli
C: Kamdyn McIntosh, Jacob Hopper, Marlion Pickett
HF:Tim Taranto, Jack Riewoldt, Shai Bolton
F: Noah Cumberland, Tom Lynch, Maurice Rioli Jr
FOLL: Toby Nankervis, Dion Prestia, Dustin Martin
I/C: Liam Baker, Jayden Short, Trent Cotchin, Tyler Sonsie
In: Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper
Out: Josh Caddy, Kane Lambert, Matthew Parker, Shane Edwards, Sydney Stack, Jake Aarts, Riley Collier-Dawkins
WE SAY: Damien Hardwick has got two new ‘set and forget’ operators in Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper. Both will add immediate depth and potency to a Richmond midfield brigade that has at times been very thin. Their arrivals won’t make things any easier for Jack Graham as he attempts to break into the side more consistently, but it’s a healthy competition for spots. Dustin Martin’s position is highly dependant on how his body holds up, but with a great pre-season he could return to his midfield-forward best. The likes of Josh Gibcus may have to bide their time at the start of the year.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/new-faces-selection-squeezes-every-afl-clubs-best-22-for-2023-after-the-trade-period/news-story/ba1174c5796b51dff62337a03fc51081
Can’t be right
No Jack Graham listed
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Given the senior team i picked A Potential vfl team, some selections people won't like. Also taking into account the 8 players we have lost.
Mansell - xxxx - xxxx
Short - Nyuon - Brown
Banks - Baker - Ralphsmith
Soldo - Ross - Graham
Clarke - Bauer - Dow
Castagna - xxxx - Ryan
Colina - xxxx - xxxx - xxxx.
Some real holes with just 192cm Bauer as the only genuine key forward.
Three dinosaur rucks in Soldo, Colina, Ryan with Ryan probably having to play key fwd. If Soldo plays seniors then Miller will probably play KPD.
Just Nyuon as a key defender especially if Gibcus is played in the seniors which is likely imo.
Just 4 mids 5 if you include Short, the others being Ross, Dow, Graham and Baker.
Reckon we still need to find more mids inside and out, two big tall fwds, a medium sized defender and of course a small/med fwd so we can get rid of Castagna once and for all.
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Given the senior team i picked A Potential vfl team, some selections people won't like. Also taking into account the 8 players we have lost.
Mansell - xxxx - xxxx
Short - Nyuon - Brown
Banks - Baker - Ralphsmith
Soldo - Ross - Graham
Clarke - Bauer - Dow
Castagna - xxxx - Ryan
Colina - xxxx - xxxx - xxxx.
Some real holes with just 192cm Bauer as the only genuine key forward.
Three dinosaur rucks in Soldo, Colina, Ryan with Ryan probably having to play key fwd. If Soldo plays seniors then Miller will probably play KPD.
Just Nyuon as a key defender especially if Gibcus is played in the seniors which is likely imo.
Just 4 mids 5 if you include Short, the others being Ross, Dow, Graham and Baker.
Reckon we still need to find more mids inside and out, two big tall fwds, a medium sized defender and of course a small/med fwd so we can get rid of Castagna once and for all.
You realise there is restrictions on list sizes ???
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Let's see, 23 including sub in the senior team; 16 named in the reserves; and 2+ mids, 2 forwards, 1 defender and 1 small/medium forward expected. And they can't be of the quality of Aarts--they have to be good or it's unforgivable list management. That's bare minimum 45 listed players. Good players. Even with category B the maximum is 44. Yep, I think we might have a classic case of unreliastico expectationus on our hands here.
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Given the senior team i picked A Potential vfl team, some selections people won't like. Also taking into account the 8 players we have lost.
Mansell - xxxx - xxxx
Short - Nyuon - Brown
Banks - Baker - Ralphsmith
Soldo - Ross - Graham
Clarke - Bauer - Dow
Castagna - xxxx - Ryan
Colina - xxxx - xxxx - xxxx.
Some real holes with just 192cm Bauer as the only genuine key forward.
Three dinosaur rucks in Soldo, Colina, Ryan with Ryan probably having to play key fwd. If Soldo plays seniors then Miller will probably play KPD.
Just Nyuon as a key defender especially if Gibcus is played in the seniors which is likely imo.
Just 4 mids 5 if you include Short, the others being Ross, Dow, Graham and Baker.
Reckon we still need to find more mids inside and out, two big tall fwds, a medium sized defender and of course a small/med fwd so we can get rid of Castagna once and for all.
You realise there is restrictions on list sizes ???
wtf i named 22 in the senior team and 16 in the twos. List sizes are are generally 44 that leaves 6 spots to round the list out to 44.
Its pretty plain looking at what is left for the two's and if we do the logical thing and try to mirror the structure we have in the seniors then we need two tall fwds im not talking quality thats just the type we lack. we lack mids in that team and we lack a medium defender and depending on where Miller plays or Gibcus another tall defender.
That is 6 players which brings the number up to what is pretty standard for most at 44.
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Given the senior team i picked A Potential vfl team, some selections people won't like. Also taking into account the 8 players we have lost.
Mansell - xxxx - xxxx
Short - Nyuon - Brown
Banks - Baker - Ralphsmith
Soldo - Ross - Graham
Clarke - Bauer - Dow
Castagna - xxxx - Ryan
Colina - xxxx - xxxx - xxxx.
Some real holes with just 192cm Bauer as the only genuine key forward.
Three dinosaur rucks in Soldo, Colina, Ryan with Ryan probably having to play key fwd. If Soldo plays seniors then Miller will probably play KPD.
Just Nyuon as a key defender especially if Gibcus is played in the seniors which is likely imo.
Just 4 mids 5 if you include Short, the others being Ross, Dow, Graham and Baker.
Reckon we still need to find more mids inside and out, two big tall fwds, a medium sized defender and of course a small/med fwd so we can get rid of Castagna once and for all.
You realise there is restrictions on list sizes ???
wtf i named 22 in the senior team and 16 in the twos. List sizes are are generally 44 that leaves 6 spots to round the list out to 44.
Its pretty plain looking at what is left for the two's and if we do the logical thing and try to mirror the structure we have in the seniors then we need two tall fwds im not talking quality thats just the type we lack. we lack mids in that team and we lack a medium defender and depending on where Miller plays or Gibcus another tall defender.
That is 6 players which brings the number up to what is pretty standard for most at 44.
Sorry
I misunderstood the post
Apologise
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Given the senior team i picked A Potential vfl team, some selections people won't like. Also taking into account the 8 players we have lost.
Mansell - xxxx - xxxx
Short - Nyuon - Brown
Banks - Baker - Ralphsmith
Soldo - Ross - Graham
Clarke - Bauer - Dow
Castagna - xxxx - Ryan
Colina - xxxx - xxxx - xxxx.
Some real holes with just 192cm Bauer as the only genuine key forward.
Three dinosaur rucks in Soldo, Colina, Ryan with Ryan probably having to play key fwd. If Soldo plays seniors then Miller will probably play KPD.
Just Nyuon as a key defender especially if Gibcus is played in the seniors which is likely imo.
Just 4 mids 5 if you include Short, the others being Ross, Dow, Graham and Baker.
Reckon we still need to find more mids inside and out, two big tall fwds, a medium sized defender and of course a small/med fwd so we can get rid of Castagna once and for all.
You realise there is restrictions on list sizes ???
wtf i named 22 in the senior team and 16 in the twos. List sizes are are generally 44 that leaves 6 spots to round the list out to 44.
Its pretty plain looking at what is left for the two's and if we do the logical thing and try to mirror the structure we have in the seniors then we need two tall fwds im not talking quality thats just the type we lack. we lack mids in that team and we lack a medium defender and depending on where Miller plays or Gibcus another tall defender.
That is 6 players which brings the number up to what is pretty standard for most at 44.
Sorry
I misunderstood the post
Apologise
No problems.
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Your club's best 22 in 2023: Who's in, who's out, who's new
Sarah Black
afl.com.au
22 October 2022
(https://resources.afl.com.au/photo-resources/2020/11/17/8a4c2df0-2497-41a0-85ac-8cab8feed48a/richmond.jpg?width=952)
Richmond had only one player on its injury list before its devastating elimination final loss to Brisbane, with Dylan Grimes well and truly set to reclaim his spot on the last line of defence in 2023. The Tigers have also only lost one player from that squad of 26 due to the retirement of Shane Edwards, and have added two first-class midfielders in former Giants duo Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper. The high quality of the recruits has pushed Tyler Sonsie, Jack Ross and Jack Graham to the emergency list, with Noah Cumberland also desperately unlucky to miss this 22. Of the next generation coming through, Judson Clarke as well as Tom Brown and Sam Banks (who are both yet to debut) are likely to get a crack at some point in 2023, while Hugo Ralphsmith, Jason Castagna and Thomson Dow also know what's required at AFL level.
B: Dylan Grimes, Noah Balta, Robbie Tarrant
HB: Nathan Broad, Nick Vlastuin, Daniel Rioli
C: Marlion Pickett, Jacob Hopper, Kamdyn McIntosh
HF: Maurice Rioli, Shai Bolton, Liam Baker
F: Jack Riewoldt, Dustin Martin, Tom Lynch
Foll: Toby Nankervis, Dion Prestia, Tim Taranto
I/C: Josh Gibcus, Jayden Short, Trent Cotchin, Ben Miller
Emerg: Tyler Sonsie, Ivan Soldo, Jack Graham, Jack Ross
https://www.afl.com.au/news/858778/your-club-s-best-22-in-2023-who-s-in-who-s-out-who-s-new
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She probably is not too far off.
Still think Cumberland and M Rioli are the first two small/med forwards picked.
Going by most teams i think the dog fight is on for three positions.
1 Mid spot between Baker, Short, Graham, Ross and Sonsie. If down to the club they will likely go one of or even two of Baker, Short or Graham leaving Cumberland out and finding a fwd role for one of them.. Me i would go Sonsie every day of the week and Cumberland is the better natural fwd of all of them..
1 Ruck spot between Soldo and Miller to give Nankervis a cut out.
To me it should be a no brainer. Miller primarily as a third tall fwd/ruck , he has the tools to play fwd and Soldo Just does not. fair dinkum the versatility he offers the team being able to play back, forward or second ruck means we would be crazy not to have him best 22 imo. For me if they talk rucks the choice should be between Soldo and Nankervis as first ruck.
1 tall defender spot. One of Grimes, Tarrant Balta, and Gibcus will miss. I think if Gibcus takes another step fwd then Balta is in the gun he will have to up the ante as well. Personally im finding a way to play Gibcus in as many games as possible perhaps if they go to best 23 then we can accomodate all of them.
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Like that post Crawski.
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I keep on going back and looking at our magoos.
I have long believed with your list you mirror what you do in the seniors in the reserves.
Its a simple formula that replicates your seniors needs totally in regards injury form and importantly development and pressure coming from underneath.
The idea is if we play two big key defenders which we have consistently and regularly over the years then you need to play two in the reserves as well.
In this we have the roles covered with plenty of potential and proven key defenders on the list.
Then on it goes Riewoldt and Lynch are proven key forwards but we don't have any in the two,s. I dont think Bauer is a genuine key fwd but a third tall of which he is the only one we have.
Okay where this is going to is the mids we have. Yes we have possibly the best group of mids in the comp but with Hopper and Taranto coming to us it has made people overlook the fact we have very few mids being developed in the reservesand imo are short on for them.
The most likely mids this year for the seniors are
McIntosh - Hopper - Pickett so im including the wingers here.
Nankervis - Taranto - Prestia. Sort of speaks for itself. so far thats 6 mids/onballers.
Bolton - jr - Cumbers. Bolton obviously plays mostly mid but he will spend his share of time fwd.
Martin - TL - M Rioli. Dusty like shai will spend his share of time in the midfield the two make rotations very good and deep.so thats 8 mids/onballers.
Int will likely go Cotchin - Sonsie, Miller, and one of the left over mids in order, Graham, Short, Baker, Ross Dow.
Including rucks we will probably play 12 mids/onballers all up whose primary roles will be mid/onball in our senior team.
The concern while the left overs are great depth we go nowhere close to mirroring what we have in the seniors. Just my opinion but we desperately need junior mids probably three at least in development.
Obviously we also need at least two young key fwds along with say a journeyman type if Jack retires.
I will reiterate we have great mids and depth for the seniors when it comes to mids but we sure as hell are short on them for the reserves and there is not enough with the long term in mind.
Probably should have posted this on the list management thread.
Take out the mids in sarah blacks team then do a reserves team with whats left and the problem becomes very clear.
In most areas of the teams we are very much doing things for right now and ignoring real list short comings and i don't think we have to i reckon we can still do both .
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Every AFL club’s best 22 for 2023
Fox Sports
December 6th, 2022 [/i]
With the trade period and draft now done, lists are close to their final makeup for the 2023 season.
Foxfooty.com.au predicts and analyses your club’s best 22 for next season.
RICHMOND
B: Dylan Grimes, Robbie Tarrant, Nathan Broad
HB: Nick Vlastuin, Noah Balta, Dan Rioli
C: Kamdyn McIntosh, Jacob Hopper, Marlion Pickett
HF: Tim Taranto, Jack Riewoldt, Shai Bolton
F: Noah Cumberland, Tom Lynch, Maurice Rioli Jr
FOLL: Toby Nankervis, Dion Prestia, Dustin Martin
I/C: Liam Baker, Jayden Short, Trent Cotchin, Tyler Sonsie
WE SAY: Damien Hardwick has got two new ‘set and forget’ operators in Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper. Both will add immediate depth and potency to a Richmond midfield brigade that has at times been very thin. Their arrivals won’t make things any easier for Jack Graham as he attempts to break into the side more consistently, but it’s a healthy competition for spots. Dustin Martin’s position is highly dependant on how his body holds up, but with a great pre-season he could return to his midfield-forward best. The likes of Josh Gibcus may have to bide their time at the start of the year. Most of the Tigers’ draft acquisitions look to be depth players for the time being.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-news-2022-best-22s-for-round-1-2023-list-changes-recruits-draftees-ins-and-outs-trades-draft-every-club/news-story/3544a44e6fc0e44538b4dd7de553603d
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Foxsport has reposted their best 22 for us on twitter.
Two straight years without winning a final, but many will have Richmond among the 2023 flag contenders. Are you one of them?
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FjRvrasaEAAn3Ex?format=jpg&name=large)
https://twitter.com/FOXFOOTY/status/1601758670924042240
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Like that post Crawski.
:o
Just further to the post.
Imo Graham and Ross have been well and truly surpassed by Taranto and Hopper.
Can just see Sonsie with Hopper and Taranto along with a firing Martin having it dished out to him to use the ball with precison.
This kid won't panic with ball in hand the way Short does.
The kid with ball in hand is about the best player we have or potentially is, we want the ball in tylers hands.. thats the real beauty of getting the two big recruits.
His awareness or if you like peripheral vision allows him time and not to panic. His ability to use the ball very well on both sides along with his vision would have our forwards licking their chops.
He just has to be played he will clearly become one of our best mids and is imo already in front of Short, Graham, Ross , and Baker as a mid. He brings something the other four do not, its polish and vision !!!! its something we have been lacking.
Miller as i said just offers us so much versatilility he offers us a decent second ruck option, he also offers us a reasonable third tall fwd option, with his attributes he can only improve in this role.
Last he has already shown he can play a KPD role for us, you never know an opposition fwd may be getting hold of us and he can be swung there or if a big key defender goes down in a game then he is ideal. He just offers the team so much versatility and flexability.
We have found two damaging and accountable sml/med forwards in Rioli and Cumberland, we have anotherr half decent one in Clarke who i hope can keep them accountable.
We just have to start the two of them for the simple reason they are the best two options.
Not every one will have Miller, Sonsie, Cumberland, and M Rioli in the SAME team but i think they should all be starting 18 or maybe in Millers case he comes from the bench depending on the role and the opposition.
We all talk about roles of our players. Well these 4 not so heralded players with the roles they play are the better options for them. Sonsie as a mid is just a no brainer along with the two fwd options. Who are better permanent sml fwds than Rioli Cumberland? How can you over look the flexability Miller gives us and as a second ruck/fwd considering we have a starting ruck in the team is the best option..
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Claw, I'm not disagreeing about the talents of Sonsie, its just that its a huge responsibility to throw onto a kid with less than 15 career games. For that reason expect the old guard to be handed the keys again while Taranto & Hopper come in & start doing some heavy lifting. Any immediate improvement will come from those two, they are ready to step up while some of the old guard fall away.
2024 is the time for Sonsie to come to the front, we will all be glad we gave him a chance to grow into the role instead of expecting the world from a kid. :cheers
ps - I can see MRJ & Sonsie teaming up in the middle & starring for us ... soon ...
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Sonsie is the kid I am most excited about for sure. You can see his thinking and smarts are AFL standard. Body just needs to come along too.
MRJ probably next.
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Claw, I'm not disagreeing about the talents of Sonsie, its just that its a huge responsibility to throw onto a kid with less than 15 career games. For that reason expect the old guard to be handed the keys again while Taranto & Hopper come in & start doing some heavy lifting. Any immediate improvement will come from those two, they are ready to step up while some of the old guard fall away.
2024 is the time for Sonsie to come to the front, we will all be glad we gave him a chance to grow into the role instead of expecting the world from a kid. :cheers
ps - I can see MRJ & Sonsie teaming up in the middle & starring for us ... soon ...
It has absolutely nothing to do with him being a kid. He is the best option for the team he is the better player so simply pick the better player. No reason why 2023 is not the time for sonsie and i can tell you if he is to come to the fore in 2024 he will be better prepared to do it by playing in 2023.
As i have already stated he brings something that most others don't in the club and thats real polish and class.That my friend is something we are lacking.
We got Hopper and Taranto for a reason they will carry the load along with a refreshed and fit Martin i hope. Sometimes kids are just too good to be left in the magoos. He had an injury riddled lead up to last year and he managed to shine when they eventually played him imo it was a joke they waited as long as they did.
He will now have a big preseason behind him and will be be ready and better.
He is not expected to do any grunt work he will have a nice cushy role with the likes of Prestia Taranto Hopper Cothchin and Martin getting it out to him.
Bottom line is if hes ready to go hes ready to go and everything points to him being ready and in front of his opposition for a mid spot.
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Now I never said that Sonsie wont play in '23, he will & he will do well. He is a rare talent & I want to see him out there.
I just don't want to see the kid get crushed by the weight of expectation ... is that fair enough?
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Now I never said that Sonsie wont play in '23, he will & he will do well. He is a rare talent & I want to see him out there.
I just don't want to see the kid get crushed by the weight of expectation ... is that fair enough?
It's only claw's expectation, Tyler will be fine haha
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Barring injury Sonsie will play seniors most weeks next year. Nothing to be gained by him playing VFL now.
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Now I never said that Sonsie wont play in '23, he will & he will do well. He is a rare talent & I want to see him out there.
I just don't want to see the kid get crushed by the weight of expectation ... is that fair enough?
It's only claw's expectation, Tyler will be fine haha
The only expectation i have voiced is that he is starting 22 and a better mid than the other players vying with him for a spot.
Not sure about me being singled out when it comes to expectations i am definately one who always sits and waits for them to actually prove themselves!!!
in Sonsie's case i feel i dont have to do that. He is now afl ready but of course he will take time to mature and get the best out of himself that should not preclude him from being picked if he is the better option.As Macca said nothing to be gained by him playing vfl now.
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Now I never said that Sonsie wont play in '23, he will & he will do well. He is a rare talent & I want to see him out there.
I just don't want to see the kid get crushed by the weight of expectation ... is that fair enough?
It's only claw's expectation, Tyler will be fine haha
The only expectation i have voiced is that he is starting 22 and a better mid than the other players vying with him for a spot.
Not sure about me being singled out when it comes to expectations i am definately one who always sits and waits for them to actually prove themselves!!!
in Sonsie's case i feel i dont have to do that. He is now afl ready but of course he will take time to mature and get the best out of himself that should not preclude him from being picked if he is the better option.As Macca said nothing to be gained by him playing vfl now.
Think it was mostly this hype:
'The kid with ball in hand is about the best player we have or potentially is, we want the ball in tylers hands.. thats the real beauty of getting the two big recruits.'
I don't disagree myself. Just saying that Tyler will cope with your expectations I'm sure.
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This is how I would like both teams to start. There is bound to be injuries so players like Graham, Ross, Short, Gibcus etc will find their way into the team quickly but until then, I think both sides stack up well. You could swap out Sonsie for Short, Ross or Graham but I like the extra dimension of skill and potential he provides over the others. I also included Narkle who may or may not be in the side moving forward.
AFL Team
B: Dylan Grimes, Noah Balta, Robbie Tarrant
HB: Nathan Broad, Nick Vlastuin, Daniel Rioli
C: Marlion Pickett, Jacob Hopper, Kamdyn McIntosh
HF: Maurice Rioli, Shai Bolton, Noah Cumberland
F: Jack Riewoldt, Dustin Martin, Tom Lynch
Foll: Toby Nankervis, Dion Prestia, Tim Taranto
I/C: Ben Miller, Tyler Sonsie, Trent Cotchin, Liam Baker
VFL Team
B: Tyler Young, Bigoa Nyuon, Caleb Smith
HB: Tom Brown, Josh Gibcus, Garrett McDonagh
C: Steely Green, Jack Graham, Sam Banks
HF: Seth Campbell, Ralph-Smith, Judson Clarke
F: Quinten Narkle, Sampson Ryan, Jason Castagna
Foll: Ivan Soldo, Jayden Short, Jack Ross
I/C: Mate Colina, Thomas Dow, Bauer, VFL Listed Player
Did I leave anyone off?
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Like your afl side stripes. I’ve just got short instead of kmac with sonsie taking over the wing role and short going back to half back flank.
With your vfl side I’d really hope we’d be taking the big WA fella over narkle although it wouldn’t surprise me if we didn’t.
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VFL Team
B: Tyler Young, Bigoa Nyuon, Caleb Smith
HB: Tom Brown, Josh Gibcus, Garrett McDonagh
C: Steely Green, Jack Graham, Sam Banks
HF: Seth Campbell, Ralph-Smith, Judson Clarke
F: Quinten Narkle, Sampson Ryan, Jason Castagna
Foll: Ivan Soldo, Jayden Short, Jack Ross
I/C: Mate Colina, Thomas Dow, Bauer, VFL Listed Player
Welcome back Stripes, great to see you here
On your VFL side I think it is a given that Lachlan Street will play every week seeing he is our VFL team's captain
Like your afl side stripes. I’ve just got short instead of kmac with sonsie taking over the wing role and short going back to half back flank.
With your vfl side I’d really hope we’d be taking the big WA fella over narkle although it wouldn’t surprise me if we didn’t.
Agree re Narkle
Not sure who the WA bloke is but I'd be happy with Bradtke from Corowa/Rutherglen ;)
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Thanks, Tigerkosh and Mr Powell. I don't know much about the potential WA recruit - is he a forward?
WP - Besides Street, are there any other VFL players that would be walk-up starts in the team over our AFL-listed players?
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I’m of the view that we need more pace on the wings. Love Pickett’s hardness and KMac’s gut running but feel a guy like HRS can add a dimension with both pace and running capacity
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I’m of the view that we need more pace on the wings. Love Pickett’s hardness and KMac’s gut running but feel a guy like HRS can add a dimension with both pace and running capacity
He’s gotta get much much better at the defensive side of his game. Kmac regularly helps out in defence while Pickett last season was a contested/intercept marking machine.
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Agreed TK but he’s still a cub, would like to think another big pre season will enhance his runnjng capacity to do just that
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Agreed TK but he’s still a cub, would like to think another big pre season will enhance his runnjng capacity to do just that
I’ve said it a few times now, but I think sonsie could be a really good winger. He’s a great kick on both feet and his overhead contested marking looked strong in the games he played last season. Would just need to learn the running pattern and obviously build his tank up.
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Agreed TK but he’s still a cub, would like to think another big pre season will enhance his runnjng capacity to do just that
I’ve said it a few times now, but I think sonsie could be a really good winger. He’s a great kick on both feet and his overhead contested marking looked strong in the games he played last season. Would just need to learn the running pattern and obviously build his tank up.
Agree but he won’t have the tank to play on a wing. Sonsie I can see getting ball on a fast break from centre clearance (insert preferred feeder here - Hopper, Cotchin, Prestia, Taranto) and hitting our forwards lace out inside 50.
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Agreed TK but he’s still a cub, would like to think another big pre season will enhance his runnjng capacity to do just that
I’ve said it a few times now, but I think sonsie could be a really good winger. He’s a great kick on both feet and his overhead contested marking looked strong in the games he played last season. Would just need to learn the running pattern and obviously build his tank up.
Agree but he won’t have the tank to play on a wing. Sonsie I can see getting ball on a fast break from centre clearance (insert preferred feeder here - Hopper, Cotchin, Prestia, Taranto) and hitting our forwards lace out inside 50.
Edwards role hopefully
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Damn straight Andy
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This is how I would like both teams to start. There is bound to be injuries so players like Graham, Ross, Short, Gibcus etc will find their way into the team quickly but until then, I think both sides stack up well. You could swap out Sonsie for Short, Ross or Graham but I like the extra dimension of skill and potential he provides over the others. I also included Narkle who may or may not be in the side moving forward.
AFL Team
B: Dylan Grimes, Noah Balta, Robbie Tarrant
HB: Nathan Broad, Nick Vlastuin, Daniel Rioli
C: Marlion Pickett, Jacob Hopper, Kamdyn McIntosh
HF: Maurice Rioli, Shai Bolton, Noah Cumberland
F: Jack Riewoldt, Dustin Martin, Tom Lynch
Foll: Toby Nankervis, Dion Prestia, Tim Taranto
I/C: Ben Miller, Tyler Sonsie, Trent Cotchin, Liam Baker
VFL Team
B: Tyler Young, Bigoa Nyuon, Caleb Smith
HB: Tom Brown, Josh Gibcus, Garrett McDonagh
C: Steely Green, Jack Graham, Sam Banks
HF: Seth Campbell, Ralph-Smith, Judson Clarke
F: Quinten Narkle, Sampson Ryan, Jason Castagna
Foll: Ivan Soldo, Jayden Short, Jack Ross
I/C: Mate Colina, Thomas Dow, Bauer, VFL Listed Player
Did I leave anyone off?
Yep Nigel as in Mansell straight to the backline for McDonagh.
Reckon Bauer will play kpf/ythird tall and HRS will play wing. Concern with Hugo is he needs to toughen up outside running roles are the only roles he is good for atm.
Smith imo will get or should get the Dan Rioli role coming off hb Can't help but be impressed with what he did at e/freo in the role.
Big no to Narkle for me. Bradtke or Kietel thanks. That will give us either a super athletic promising 20 yr old key fwd who is already a good size or a mature proven state league kpf, he kicked 71 goals in 2021 who may be able to provide a bit of cover if Jack or Tom went down and certainly has the experience to lead the fwd line in the two's.
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According to Jon Ralph.
RICHMOND BEST 23
B: Grimes Tarrant Dan Rioli
HB: Vlastuin Balta Broad
C: Short Taranto McIntosh
HF: Bolton Lynch Martin
F: Baker Riewoldt Cumberland
R: Nankervis Hopper Prestia
Int: Pickett, Cotchin, Maurice Rioli, Sonsie,
Sub: Soldo
Source: HeraldSun (https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/news/where-does-your-afl-club-sit-richmond-rolls-dice-on-recruits-in-bid-to-reestablish-itself-as-a-force/news-story/fe0949dbeb7789f19686799d20b883c5)
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Who does old mate Ralphy have playing second ruck??? Miller showed enough good signs last season for me that he’s earned first crack at that role especially given he can fill in at both ends of the ground as needed.
I’d also be having a midfielder as the sub, don’t see any point having a ‘specialist’ ruck and I don’t think the coaches would either.
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It's a great 22. Agree on who plays 2nd ruck issue. I do think maybe we look at Miller playing and phasing out Tarrant. I don't think the drop off is that big and with both Grimes and Tarrant being close to retirement I think Miller needs to be playing to develop further otherwise we will have a massive gap in defense in 2 years.
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Not sure how we will have a massive gap in defense if we don't play Miller there.
If Balta is the next big thing which i doubt by the way, then you have Balta and a kid called Gibcus who managed a lazy 18 games in his first season.
We drafted a 23 yo mature kpd in Tyler Young and generally you only take mature players if they can and are ready to play. We have hung onto Nyuon as well.
To hang onto him they must see something in him. Fair dinkum as far as talls goes defense is the least of our worries. Same can be said for small and medium defenders. Banks and Brown even HRS can play hb we used our first pick in the nd on young Smith you guessed it a hbf then theres Mansell Vlastuin Broad Defense is not a problem moving fwd
Not sure how Ralphy picked Baker as a fwd in front of Maurice junior reckon he is having the same problem some supporters are and not leaving out some name players.
Lol Jayden Short instead of Pickett on a wing did he even watch us last year.
Soldo as a sub fmd its either Soldo or Nankervis as #1 ruck. One misses out and atm that is Soldo.
As far as our talls go Miller is the perfect fit atm. People don't want Balta fwd, then by the length of the flemington straight Miller is the next best option and not just as a fwd. It is imperative we actually play and develop someone as a tall fwd. The bonus with Miller he can ruck okay and he can play either end of the ground and has a junior back ground as a fwd. To me this says starting 22 every week. He is actually ideal for team structure and balance.
The problem we have and its a good one is fitting blokes like Ross Short Baker and Graham into the midfield and rotations and no one wants to say it.
Every day of the week my first 7 forwards picked are Riewoldt, Lynch possibly Miller as the talls in Millers case fwd/ruck. Bolton Dusty Cumberland and Junior.
If Miller does not start in the 18 he just has to be on the bench.
Please tell me better options based on last year and peformance and team needs..
Same for defense The first 7 imo and one has to miss. Tarrant fmd we are in denial if people think he is not the best big one on one defender we have atm.Balta Partners Tarrant as the other big kpd, Grimes third tall or small, Broad Vlastuin Rioli with Kids like Brown and Gibcus waiting in the wings.
Yes Baker and Short could play there but they are no longer the best options for defense. They will have to make it as a part of midfield rotations
As mids i have Cotchin, Martin, Bolton, Prestia, Taranto, Hopper and Sonsie in front of Ross Graham Baker and Short. we cannot play em all. on top of that Martin, Bolton Sonsie and Taranto can all play fwd and are better fwd options imo than the latter 4.
Taranto and Hopper straight away forces two out Sonsie will have another preseason and i hope forces another out and Dusty back to his best will force another out we hardly had him last year and sonsie had just 7 games.
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Having a ruckman as a sub is almost unheard of but I don't hate it.
If this sub rule was in place last season and Soldo was sub for the EF...I'd have been delighted. stuff me Nank was bad.
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Having a ruckman as a sub is almost unheard of but I don't hate it.
If this sub rule was in place last season and Soldo was sub for the EF...I'd have been delighted. stuff me Nank was bad.
Man that's digging up trauma.
I wish they'd played Pickett instead and they may as well given O went down.
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Plus if K Bradtke ( looks to be a possible P Cripps type) works out……. We will have problems getting them all a game.
Midfield, I see Cotchin playing less, plus Prestia being injury prone sees Sonsie and maybe Ross getting opportunity, but atm we are going to have problems with good players not getting a game.
A fit Dusty plus Taranto and Hopper have really changed the mix.
I think Riewoldt may be on the outer and someone else should be getting developed in front of him.
Anyway it is a good problem to have, exciting times for RFC, I think we may really be in the mix for another flag, or am I one eye dreaming?
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2023 Best 23s: Does influx of stars mean a brutal call for Trent Cotchin at Tigerland?
Tim Miller
theRoar.com.au
19 January 2023
The Tigers are among the premiership favourites heading into 2023 – and rightly so.
On paper, their greatest weakness – the midfield – has at a stroke become a strength, with the arrival of former GWS on-ballers Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper bringing an instant mix of talent and muscle at stoppages that wasn’t even a strength during their 2017-2020 dynasty.
The Tigers have always tended to win in spite of clearance and contested possession limitations, making 2023 a fascinating transitional year now that they, at last, have a chance to really hurt teams out of the centre. With a fearsome forward line at their disposal, plus an array of speedy, elite kicks that cut swathes through opposition teams last year from half-back, there’s a whole lot to like about Richmond going into this year.
History says that things are rarely as simple as teams plugging weak areas with star power and instantly becoming better for it; but for a side full of veterans ready to have one last hurrah at another pemiership, and a coach in Damien Hardwick still as hungry as ever for success, it could very well be Tiger time again in the not too distant future.
Defenders
The Tigers were a side vulnerable to transition in 2022; in a cruel reversal of the style that won them three flags, teams would regularly cut them up on the turnover and expose an at times vulnerable backline.
The Richmond defensive unit was a pillar of strength and consistency through their era of success, but with David Astbury retired and Dylan Grimes and Nick Vlastuin both missing clumps of games through injury, things didn’t always gel inside defensive 50.
The major positive was that Josh Gibcus now has a full season under his belt, and looked more than capable as either a pure stopper or intercept-marking second or third tall.
Among young key defenders, Sam De Koning rightly won the lion’s share of the attention for his spectacular 2022 for the Cats, but I’d argue Gibcus, in a far more exposed position at the Tigers, was very nearly as impressive on a regular basis. If Grimes in particular can return to full fitness and form, having appeared close to the cliff at times last year, Gibcus will be a major beneficiary.
With Noah Balta now likely to take command of the backline for the foreseeable future after an ill-fated attempt to swing him forward last year, there might no longer be a spot in the team for Robbie Tarrant.
After a nightmare first month or two during which he was repeatedly exposed on the lead and looked every bit his 33 years, Tarrant was exceptional as the Tigers’ primary key defender. But now a year older, with Gibcus likely to need less looking after defensively, Balta locked in, Ben Miller improving all the time and Grimes nearly certain to return, there aren’t a whole lot of spots left available to him.
However, as a back-up instantly capable of slotting in if and when injury strikes (like the hamstring injury set to rule Gibcus out of the early rounds), he’s still capable of fulfilling a key role.
Grimes is an interesting case, though – at 31, the co-captain was a long way off his exceptional best even before a hamstring injury prematurely ended his season. His role at his best made him arguably the premier two-way defender in the game, capable of both shutting down opposition talls and smalls while also an outstanding intercepter.
Lose a yard of pace, though, and either of those roles, much less both, become much more of a challenge. The Tigers are going to have to make some difficult calls one way or another on a series of premiership heroes and club legends; Grimes, for the first time in perhaps a decade, goes into a new year with his spot in the team not set in stone.
Daniel Rioli was one of the stories of the year as he entrenched his transformation from bit-part small forward to one of the best dashing defenders going around. His presence added an extra, ultra-aggressive dimension to the Tigers’ rebounding skillset, and even meant Jayden Short was tried at times as an on-baller.
I’d expect to see both of them at half-back throughout next year: Rioli as the line-breaker dasher with licence to take the game on, and Short as the prime distributor to kick-star more sensible build-ups where appropriate.
The interesting floater is Liam Baker: he’s been trialled everywhere throughout his career, from small forward to defence to even at centre bounces. I’m foreseeing more of a logjam for Tigers’ small forward spots, both next year and beyond given an influx of young talent, so it would surprise to see Hardwick use his experience, grit and precise ball use back in defence, perhaps as stopping cover to allow Short and Rioli to give their direct opponents slightly more legrope than they’d otherwise allow.
Sam Banks is the other option: a recently drafted mid-sized defender, Banks will most likely have to wait his turn for a senior team gig behind Grimes, Vlastuin and co.; none of whom are getting any younger, but he has nothing but time on his hands to develop.
Midfielders
Change is coming on the ball for Richmond in 2023, and not a minute too soon.
The Tigers were the second-worst side in the game for clearances last year, ahead of only Hawthorn. Bizarrely, it wasn’t a problem at centre bounces, where they ranked second behind the Western Bulldogs, but rather everywhere else where they were simply out-hunted for the ball.
The Tigers were never a high-possession side during their 2017-2020 run of dominance – quality, not quantity, was always their mantra. But the weakness meant that in the elimination final, when Brisbane ruckman Oscar McInerney went down with concussion in the opening five minutes, their midfield group was incapable of taking advantage of a complete ruck dominance. Toby Nankervis and backup Miller landed 55 hitouts to the Lions’ 16, yet clearances were lost 46-40, mostly to Lachie Neale (15).
The arrival of Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper has the capacity to change Richmond’s whole gameplan. Now blessed with two powerful, primed on-ballers, neither of whom can or should really play anywhere else, the Tigers should be able to break even in clearances more often than not, and capitalise on mismatches when they arrive (though Nankervis will likely need to tap it to them first).
Dion Prestia, too, is simply too good to leave out of the mix, and the presence of other guns on the ball should hopefully ease the pressure on his injury-prone body. Shai Bolton won’t, in all likelihood, be required at 56 per cent of centre bounces like he was in 2022, but he probably should: his pace, ability to find space and elite football brain are a strong counterpoint to a Tigers midfield with more of an emphasis on power and tackling strength over defter attributes.
The problem is that leaves the rest of the existing crew in the lurch, and needing to find other roles. Jack Graham is the obvious victim: for years now he’s looked ready to assume the mantle of the number one Richmond midfield, yet he still – for lack of a tank or lack of trust from coaching staff, whichever one you prefer – spends most of his time at half-forward. Now that Taranto and Hopper have arrived, his place in the midfield rotation is under more pressure than ever: little wonder, then, he entertained the pursuit of a move to Port Adelaide in the off-season.
But if Graham and Dustin Martin (remember him?) still have designs on rotating through the midfield group, where does that leave Trent Cotchin? The former captain had something of a resurgence last year, playing 19 games and attending nearly three-quarters of the Tigers’ centre bounces: clearly, Hardwick still sees him as crucial around the ball.
Only Bolton, Prestia and Nankervis had more contested possessions at the club last year than Cotchin – but all finished between 205 and 211. Prestia is younger and Bolton more dynamic, which leaves Cotchin as the one to make way for the Giants duo if push comes to shove.
No doubt Cotchin’s experience and still-unmatched desire to win the ball will still be useful for the Tigers, but they also would be reluctant to risk the likes of Graham, Tyler Sonsie and Jack Ross seeking new opportunities elsewhere after being underplayed compared to a mid-30s stalwart.
Equally, Cotchin is 13 games shy off his 300-game milestone, and if Shane Edwards was given the chance to get there last year before retiring, Cotchin, who seems further away from the end now than Edwards was 12 months ago, will surely get there too.
Perhaps the best option would be to ‘do a Marc Murphy’: in 2021, Carlton literally carried a flatlining Marc Murphy to the 300-game milestone, naming him medical sub in four of his last six games before hitting the mark.
Given the rule now enables teams to sub in a player anytime, cuold Cotchin’s last great act for Richmond be to limit his involvement to a quarter and a half each match, come on, give everything in his being as he always does, and see if he can snag one last flag on the way out?
As for the wings, Kamdyn McIntosh has one locked in after a super season streaming behind the ball and presenting as an outlet option for kicks coming out of defensive 50. I’d love to see the pacy Hugo Ralphsmith have a chance at the other: the grand final sprint winner struggled to find a role in defensive 50, given another speedster in Daniel Rioli was already there and had the virtue of being a superior kick. But using his raw pace and attacking mindset further afield, driving the ball inside 50 rather than rebounding from defence, seems to suit him down to a tee.
Forwards
No side scored more points in the 2022 home-and-away season than Richmond: and you’d think that with a stronger midfield up ahead, the likes of Tom Lynch and Jack Riewoldt would only get more chances to thrive.
The thing is, though, that the Tigers, despite those shoddy clearance numbers, averaged the second-most inside 50s of any side in the league last year, behind only Geelong. A lack of supply has never been an issue for the Tigers, given their excellence on the counter from turnovers and Rioli-inspired dash out of defence in 2022.
Lynch is, in my view, the best key forward in the game: he led the AFL in average contested marks last year, and would have won the Coleman Medal but for missing three games with injury. There are few general colossusses in the game, and he’s one of them.
Riewoldt, despite having now turned 34, is still the obvious second. All the attempts to make Balta into a forward just highlighted how much attacking craft the veteran has, and how little his younger teammate possesses. He won’t be crashing many packs anymore, but if Jack can find some space inside 50 on two or three occasions per match, that’s how many goals he’d expect to snag as well.
The Tigers’ smalls are more interesting to discuss, primarily because they have so many for so few spots. You’d expect both Martin and Bolton, plus a score of resting mids, to spend plentiful time in attacking 50 this year – good luck defending Dusty AND Shai in one-on-ones, defenders of the AFL!
Of the rest, Maurice Rioli caused as many goal-scoring turnovers as anyone in the game last year, and is well on his way to becoming the league’s premier pressure small. He’s an upgrade from the more limited Jason Castagna, who lacks Rioli’s menacing closing speed, nose for goals and sheer presence.
Noah Cumberland barely put a foot wrong either in 2022 when he broke into the senior team mid-year, bagging 19 goals in nine games including a haul of five. Cumberland leads hard, kicks powerfully and just like Rioli, has presence in attack.
The Tigers got by in their glory years with their forwards’ main role being to supply pressure and force turnovers for their talls to fast on. Cumberland and Judson Clarke are now officially in selection considerations; with both possessing the knack for a goal, a desire to tackle hard and pressure frequently, they could easily be a long-term, fruitful forward line partnership.
Richmond Best 23 2023
Backs: Dylan Grimes (c), Noah Balta, Nick Vlastuin
Half-backs: Daniel Rioli, Josh Gibcus*, Jayden Short
Centres: Kamdyn McIntosh, Dion Prestia, Hugo Ralphsmith
Followers: Toby Nankervis (c), Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper
Half-forwards: Maurice Rioli, Tom Lynch, Jack Graham
Forwards: Shai Bolton, Jack Riewoldt, Dustin Martin
Interchange: Liam Baker, Noah Cumberland, Jack Ross, Tyler Sonsie
Substitute: Trent Cotchin
Emergencies: Sam Banks, Jason Castagna, Judson Clarke
* set to miss Round 1 with a hamstring injury
https://www.theroar.com.au/2023/01/19/2023-best-23s-does-influx-of-stars-mean-a-brutal-call-for-trent-cotchin/
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Does this guy even watch Richmond play?
No Marlion Pickett?
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Pickett and Tarrant not even featuring as emergencies tells you all you need to know about this effort
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Probably one of the first picked every week in Broad is not there as well. He gets a gid in front of Short for sure.
Fair dinkum Cotchin was close to our best mid last year and Taranto and Hopper just made his job easier. He would still rank as our 4th or 5th best mid and is not playing as a sub.
HHHaarrggh no Tarrant talk about being in denial.He is our best big kpd and age should not come into it.Atm im picking him in front of Balta everyday of the week.
Then the doozy. HRS and not Pickett not based on last year no way. Can understand the need to get games into kids and HRS may be a future winger but sheesh he has some serious deficiencies that need fixing.
Needless to say i have little time for such outside types.
Second to Last but not least Graham as a fwd in front of Cumberland!!!! sheesh what does Cumberland need to do to get a bit of recognition from these bozoes.
Last Miller is the missing tall piece atm, Servicable when resting Nankervis in the ruck, and yes he will need to looked after. The real beauty Miller can play as a third option fwd and Back as a kpd if need be.Bloody hell we have spent how many seasons now developing Big Ben he finally starts to reward us with good footy and these fools want him gone.
Its almost like yep we got Taranto and Hopper we don't need to develop younger players. At our long term peril i say.
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Ralph lol
Graham on HFF lol
Ross lol
Not a knock on those guys but I'll take Pickett, Broad and Cotch straight in for those 3.
Some genuine hardness.
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I’ll maintain that we need some genuine toe on one wing and HRS can provide that for us. Hopefully that time trial is a sign he can and then will run hard both ways. Where that leaves K Mac or Pickett I do not know but we need better offensive running in that part of the ground
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Hugo would want to find some defensive ability and start putting his head over it when it's his turn. Until he proves that, Kmac and Pickett stay on the wing for mine.
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Hugo would want to find some defensive ability and start putting his head over it when it's his turn. Until he proves that, Kmac and Pickett stay on the wing for mine.
Nailed it.
Pickett isn't getting any younger so Hugo has a chance to get himself ready to take over.
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One thing Pickett has to his advantage is he was a late starter to AFL level. So, his body isn't banged up for his age (31).
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Every AFL team’s best 23 for ’23: Richmond Tigers
Richmond were one of the big players during last year’s trade period to keep themselves in the premiership window.
Juri Bilcich
zerohanger.com
January 26, 2023
After missing out on finals in 2021, Richmond made a return to the September action in 2022 only to fall at the first hurdle. Although the journey couldn't mirror the standard that saw them claim three flags in four seasons from 2017-2020, the yellow and black are still firmly in contention.
Last season saw the emergence of Shai Bolton, who is arguably the side's X-Factor player after stepping up when superstar Dustin Martin was out due to personal reasons and injury. Richmond potentially found another crafty forward with Noah Cumberland cementing a place in the Tigers' side. Young midfielder Tyler Sonsie made an immediate impression in the middle with his competitive desire to win the ball. To solidify their midfield, the Tigers secured GWS star midfield duo Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto to long-term deals.
Their ability to get their hands dirty and hurt the opposition, whether by hand or foot, makes the Tigers even more dangerous. Taranto, in particular, can shift forward as he did in Toby Greene's absence late in 2021, booting four goals against his new team. With the right ingredients in place, there is no reason why Richmond can't claim a fourth flag in seven seasons.
Ins:
Seth Campbell (Rookie Draft), Steely Green (No.55 draft pick), Jacob Hopper (trade, Greater Western Sydney), Kaleb Smith (No.49 draft pick), Tim Taranto (trade, Greater Western Sydney), Tylar Young (Rookie Draft)
Outs:
Jake Aarts (delisted), Josh Caddy (retired), Riley Collier-Dawkins (delisted), Shane Edwards (retired), Kane Lambert (retired), Will Martyn (delisted), Matthew Parker (delisted), Sydney Stack (delisted)
Defenders
In the first half of 2022, Richmond had its fair share of defensive inconsistencies, giving up 100 points on four different occasions. From there, however, the side only gave up 100 points once as the backline began to mould similar to the one from three years ago.
Robbie Tarrant had a solid first season in the yellow and black, featuring in 20 games and getting the task of shutting down the opposition's number two forward. After starting last season up forward, Noah Balta swung back to the defensive end, giving the back six stability with his intercept marking. His closing speed is another asset where he excels.
The calm heads of premiership players Dylan Grimes, Nick Vlaustin and Nathan Broad allow for the defence to repel seamlessly. The trio being one of the reasons why Richmond, when they are at their best, are extremely difficult to score against. Not to mention their versatility to play on taller players and smaller players.
With Tarrant, Balta, Grimes, Broad, Vlaustin and sophomore Josh Gibcus being the defensive negators in minimising opposition forwards, its attacking half-backs fully complement the spine. Daniel Rioli, Jayden Short, and Liam Baker are the architects for a plethora of the side's counterattacks from its defensive 50.
After spending time in 2021 in the VFL, Rioli embraced a new lease by switching from a pressure small forward to an attacking half-back flanker. And it has been a success.
Rioli was brilliant in 2022 averaging 20.5 disposals, with his metres gained and excellent kicking skills setting up many Richmond forays. For his efforts, Rioli finished runner-up in the club's best and fairest behind Tom Lynch.
Like Rioli, Baker is another attacking defender not afraid to be daring. His clean crisp kicking is crucial to the Tigers' attacking gameplan. Having spent the first six rounds last season as a forward, Baker's move back to defence helped his production, and with it, the Tigers' turnaround.
Short is also important to the side's structure and at every opportunity, the Tigers look to get the ball in his trusty hands in the defensive arc to kickstart an attack.
Midfielders
Richmond's midfield spine stacks up as one of the best. And it only gets stronger. During last year's trade period, the Tigers made two major acquisitions by bringing in hard-nosed ball winners Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto. The duo were integral to GWS, and now it is to the yellow and black's benefit.
Hopper's 2022 campaign never got going after injuring his knee in the opening round against Sydney, only seeing him feature in seven games. Although we didn't get to see the best of the 25-year-old, his hard competitive edge and unrelenting tenacity to extract the ball from the clinches is an element Tigers' fans are eagerly awaiting.
Like Hopper, Taranto further adds to the Tigers' midfield depth. The 24-year-old was one of the Giants' best in a rocky campaign, averaging 25.4 disposals despite missing seven games. Whilst his hardness around the contest is what he prides his game upon, Taranto also has the attributes to be dangerous up forward.
Not one, not two, but three conundrums opposition coaches are going to face on shutting down - Shai Bolton, Dustin Martin and Taranto.
Former Skipper Trent Cotchin had a bounceback season averaging 22.7 disposals in 2022. Late in the year is when the joint 2012 Brownlow medallist was important in securing the Tigers a finals spot with back-to-back 30-disposal outings against Port Adelaide and Hawthorn. Expect him to have another even year as he is only 13 games away from becoming the fifth Tiger to play 300 matches.
Dion Prestia was one of Richmond's best last season in Martin's absence, registering seven 30-disposal games to feature among the highest Brownlow vote-getters across the competition.
Complementing Richmond's spine in the middle are important wingers Kamdyn McIntosh and Marlion Pickett. McIntosh's running ability is a crucial cog to the side, likewise Pickett despite the wing pair not accumulating major numbers.
With the midfield loaded with class, a young player in Tyler Sonsie made an instant impression late in the season. Making his debut in Round 18, the 20-year-old featured in the side's final seven games, including the elimination final, proving he belongs at the highest level.
Their ruck options remain the same for 2023, with co-captain Toby Nankervis seen as the first-string option while Ivan Soldo rotates as either a depth option or second tall depending on the selection for particular opponents.
Forwards
Richmond's forward mix is dangerous and lethal. That being the reason why they led the league for most points scored (98.4 per game). Since its drought-breaking flag in 2017, scoring has not been an issue, apart from 2021. 2022 showed why Richmond, when they get a run on, are hard to stop with their marking power and nippy small forwards ready to pounce on the crumbs.
Tom Lynch is one of the premier key forwards with his vice-like hands and athleticism for a big man. His 2022 season saw him take home the club's best and fairest (Jack Dyer Medal) after kicking 63 goals. His partner-in-crime, Jack Riewoldt, isn't slowing down with his unselfish play being a major aspect of his game. The Lynch-Riewoldt tandem has been a major success for the Tigers, and you can expect them to fire again come March 16 against Carlton.
A string which is a benchmark of Richmond's forward stocks are their small to medium forwards. Shai Bolton is arguably one of the most enthralling players to watch with his uncanny ability to do the impossible.
Noah Cumberland is another find who made a seamless transition to AFL level. His goal sense would be in full effect, kicking 19 goals from 9 matches, including a five-goal haul in the side's seven-goal comeback against Brisbane last year.
Maurice Rioli jr. will again offer plenty of pressure in attack, while questions will be asked about Jason Castagna's prospects after a difficult 2022 campaign.
There are no players more important to the team's overall nucleus than the mastery of Dustin Martin. The three-time Norm Smith medallist endured a difficult 2022, but expect the superstar to weave his unparalleled class at stoppages - with his trademark one-hand fend-offs to his dangerous one-on-one matchups deep in the goal square.
Best 23
FB: Dylan Grimes, Noah Balta, Nathan Broad
HB: Daniel Rioli, Robbie Tarrant, Liam Baker
C: Kamdyn McIntosh, Dion Prestia, Marlion Pickett
HF: Shai Bolton, Jack Riewoldt, Tim Taranto
FF: Dustin Martin, Tom Lynch, Maurice Rioli Jr
FOL: Toby Nankervis, Jacob Hopper, Jayden Short
I/C: Trent Cotchin, Noah Cumberland, Tyler Sonsie, Nick Vlaustin
Sub: Hugo Ralphsmith
Emerg: Ivan Soldo, Jack Graham, Josh Gibcus
https://www.zerohanger.com/every-afl-teams-best-23-for-23-richmond-tigers-132420/
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Missing Miller or atleast someone to give nank a chop out.
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Spoilt bastards. Looks one too many talls on paper but Gibcus injury kicks that problem down the road.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FnSQU8waMAAe22m?format=png&name=small)
Yeah a bit of a worry about Grimes and Tarrant going over the edge but they might just kick 18 goals every week and it won't matter.
https://twitter.com/Adrian_Poly/status/1618076917336510466
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Cumberland won't be missing.
Baker on the bench, Ross out, Cumberland forward.
Probably prefer Miller to Soldo.
That's about it for me.
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Isn't it a nice problem to have. Is just not easy to pick a best 23 as there are so many that could grab a spot. I like where we are ATM but injuries and form could change it in a flash. One thing I love though is that Castagna doesn't get a mention.
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I notice neither of those teams have Graham, Jack Graham that is
Must be a mistake
Machine said he’s a certain best 22 player
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I’d have Graham in my team.
Graham is ahead of Ross by a country mile.
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I’d have Graham in my team.
Graham is ahead of Ross by a country mile.
I’ve got no problem with Graham
More the overstating of his position
I would suggest he’s right on the fringe of best 22 and would be best 22 in nearly every other team
Good player who will play a lot of games this year
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I’d have Graham in my team.
Graham is ahead of Ross by a country mile.
Must be why Ross was picked over him in the final last year...played well too ;D
Neither of them are in the best 22, both are in the best 25
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I’d have Graham in my team.
Graham is ahead of Ross by a country mile.
Must be why Ross was picked over him in the final last year...played well too ;D
Neither of them are in the best 22, both are in the best 25
Ross was fit
Graham was carrying an injury. You know the injury that required surgery that he is still recovering from. Might have something to do with why he didn't play the final
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I’d have Graham in my team.
Graham is ahead of Ross by a country mile.
Must be why Ross was picked over him in the final last year...played well too ;D
Neither of them are in the best 22, both are in the best 25
Ross was fit
Graham was carrying an injury. You know the injury that required surgery that he is still recovering from. Might have something to do with why he didn't play the final
Ross was picked over him. If a mid was a late out, Graham would have played.
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Ross was picked over him. If a mid was a late out, Graham would have played.
Ross was picked over him because he was fully fit and not a risk
Dimma said he could not risk playing both an 80% fit Martin and Graham who was carrying and had carried a pretty serious injury into a final
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Ross was picked over him. If a mid was a late out, Graham would have played.
Ross was picked over him because he was fully fit and not a risk
Dimma said he could not risk playing both an 80% fit Martin and Graham who was carrying and had carried a pretty serious injury into a final
I think you’re both right. Ross was picked ahead of him but Graham not being 100% right would have atleast had some bearing on the choice. Butttttt if Dimma couldn’t risk playing both dusty and graham then graham wouldn’t have even been named an emergency. I bet he would have been next man should someone have pulled out late. In saying that I also think that if graham was in any sort of form he would have picked him regardless but the combination of not being 100% + being in poor/avg form previously meant he didn’t make the cut.
Personally I would pick graham ahead of Ross if both 100% fit. Neither are in my 22 though.
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Graham steps up in big games and can restrict the best opposition mids ,
Ross has a bit more work to do , Graham every time gets the nod ahead of Ross if fit on what I’ve seen so far
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cannot see either getting a gig in front of 23 others and especially mids Taranto, Hopper, Prestia, Bolton, Cotchin, Martin, Sonsie and Baker and Short will play in front of them because they are more flexible.
No way should we be picking them in front of specialist forwards Rioli Cumberland and Clarke. If honest we dont need em to play fwd with a shed load of very good mids who can go thru there in Taranto, Martin, Bolton Sonsie.
Simply put there are just too many better options to go with than Graham and Ross.
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I know Dusty was picked ahead of Graham because of his ceiling and finals history.
But...
If both were at 80% at least you know Graham had match fitness to some extent. Dusty hadn't played all year.
I think we should have picked Graham and put him on Neale to try to reduce his impact.
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cannot see either getting a gig in front of 23 others and especially mids Taranto, Hopper, Prestia, Bolton, Cotchin, Martin, Sonsie and Baker and Short will play in front of them because they are more flexible.
No way should we be picking them in front of specialist forwards Rioli Cumberland and Clarke. If honest we dont need em to play fwd with a shed load of very good mids who can go thru there in Taranto, Martin, Bolton Sonsie.
Simply put there are just too many better options to go with than Graham and Ross.
I agree that they are fringe players and will be playing twos if we are fully healthy.
But chances are we will have an injury or two in the midfield, which will open the door for one or both to play.
Good solid depth IMO.
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cannot see either getting a gig in front of 23 others and especially mids Taranto, Hopper, Prestia, Bolton, Cotchin, Martin, Sonsie and Baker and Short will play in front of them because they are more flexible.
No way should we be picking them in front of specialist forwards Rioli Cumberland and Clarke. If honest we dont need em to play fwd with a shed load of very good mids who can go thru there in Taranto, Martin, Bolton Sonsie.
Simply put there are just too many better options to go with than Graham and Ross.
I agree that they are fringe players and will be playing twos if we are fully healthy.
But chances are we will have an injury or two in the midfield, which will open the door for one or both to play.
Good solid depth IMO.
Agree if honest those two plus Soldo and Castagna are the only depth players we have with any sort of games/genuine experience behind them.
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On top of ability plus club needs, how you train, form , attitude, experience , history and injury make up a lot of why you get a game, to me Graham ticks most of the boxes and I would have him on the bench in my 1st picked team
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On top of ability plus club needs, how you train, form , attitude, experience , history and injury make up a lot of why you get a game, to me Graham ticks most of the boxes and I would have him on the bench in my 1st picked team
Can i ask in front of who?
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On top of ability plus club needs, how you train, form , attitude, experience , history and injury make up a lot of why you get a game, to me Graham ticks most of the boxes and I would have him on the bench in my 1st picked team
Can i ask in front of who?
Pretty valid question
Would love to know your current best 22 (plus one) Camboon
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23rd/24th man in my team.
Bottom 6 players imo are Pickett, Kmac, Cumberland, MRJ, Miller and Sonsie (don’t expect him to be here long). Problem is other than sonsie the other guys play an almost specialist role within the team so it wouldn’t be a like for like replacement if he came in for any of them. Sonsie, Cumberland and Kmacs position/role are probably he’s best bet in that order.
In saying all that, not sure why grahams position in the team has been such a hot topic of conversation all summer. Whether he is named round 1 or not I’d still expect him to play 12+ games just covering for injuries/resting/suspensions/form-drops. Then if he wants to explore trades again at the end of the season then good luck to him - expect we’ll net a pick somewhere in the second round.
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B: Grimes Tarrant Baker
HB: Rioli Balta Vlastuin
C: Pickett Prestia McIntosh
HF: Bolton Riewoldt Martin
F: Rioli Jnr Lynch Cumberland
R: Nankervis Tarranto Hopper
I: Cotchin Sonsie Miller Broad
S: Graham
E: Ross Soldo Ryan
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Good on you for putting a side up Torch but all that shows to me is you really don't rate Jayden Short, especially when he's not even an emergency ahead of one of two ruckman
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Let’s see who the club rates and plays in the first game. My conversations tell me Graham is highly rated by the match committee.
Graham has the experience and is a shut down player that is valued I believe.
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We very rarely give players shut down roles and tbh I still think he’s somewhat living off the job he did on Sloane in the 2017 granny in that regard.
No issues with graham though, just can’t fit him into my side but wouldn’t bat an eye if he’s named round 1.
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I'm not clued up enough about our strategy to know exactly what the "Lambert role" is/was, but I get the feeling it requires a big tank. Graham has his weaknesses but he seems to have the tank to get to more contests than any other Tiger (assuming full fitness, which he wasn't for most of last year) and so it wouldn't surprise me if Lambert vacating this role led to Graham having a role-specific place in the starting 22 in 2023.
Perhaps someone with more knowledge of our system can expand on this.
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I'm not clued up enough about our strategy to know exactly what the "Lambert role" is/was, but I get the feeling it requires a big tank. Graham has his weaknesses but he seems to have the tank to get to more contests than any other Tiger (assuming full fitness, which he wasn't for most of last year) and so it wouldn't surprise me if Lambert vacating this role led to Graham having a role-specific place in the starting 22 in 2023.
Perhaps someone with more knowledge of our system can expand on this.
Lambert was our mid-fwd who played the link up role between our midfield and forward line, often delivering the ball to our forwards and sometimes getting a snag himself. Needed to be clean by foot, quick enough to break clear of the midfield defenders, and fit enough to do it all day with our 'move the ball forward at all costs' approach. He was good at it.
Graham I think is slated to be the same player. Jack Riewoldt has previously said Graham is his preferred player to be kicking I50. He's good by foot but IMO despite having a good tank, Lambos was better, and Lambo also had better acceleration to help with that breakaway moment.
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Last year when he debuted Wasn't the club talking about Clarke performing as the link player at high half forward.In other words Lamberts role.
Anyway Imo Lambert was only a fwd in name only and played basically as a front of centre mid.
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So true, never a true forward , a gut runner who played the leader of the surge role and ran deep into defence when needed
Seemed to run to space in the forward line when the game was close to kick a clutch goal or create opportunity for others . Hard to replace a bloke who gave his heart and soul and was a true team man
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Bored so will give this a crack off the top of my head
B: Grimes, Tarrant, Short
HB: D Rioli, Balta, Vlastuin
C: Mcintosh, Tarranto, Pickett
HF: Bolton, Riewoldt, MRJ
FF: Cumberland, Lynch, Dusty Martin
FOL: Nankervis, Hopper, Prestia
INT: Sonsie, Broad, Baker, Cotchin
Sub: Ross
Emergencies: Graham, Miller, Mansell, Soldo
Last spot is very difficult.
Ideally I'd have Miller in as 2nd ruck, but I think we have enough tall depth in the line up to cover down back to allow Balta to pinch hit in the ruck when Nank needs a spell.
Sub could be anyone. If either Graham or Ross perform to a high standard in the pre-season games I could see them in the 22 outright but on paper right now it's either of them as sub. Went with Ross due to finishing 2022 really well.
Plenty of kids like Hugo, Clarke, Banks, Brown etc that could surprise and earn a spot too. Really haven't seen enough of the latter 3 to have much of an opinion at this stage though.
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Then there's Gibcus to come back into consideration when he's fit again.
stuff we'll be a good side if we're injury free
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Then there's Gibcus to come back into consideration when he's fit again.
stuff we'll be a good side if we're injury free
Pretty much the team I’d name except Miller in for Ross to play the second ruck role. On top of that I like the versatility that he provides us as he can fill in as a KP in either defence or attack if one of our talls goes down or if the matchup suits.
Then Sonsie as the sub at least to start the season but if he continues as he was at the end of last season, that won’t last long.
Also based on pre-season training looks like baker will play down back and short will play in the midfield even though I agree with you that it should be the other way round.
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Is there definitely a sub this season? Or just 5 on the bench?
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Is there definitely a sub this season? Or just 5 on the bench?
5th spot on the bench is a sub. Doesn’t have to have replace an injured player though, can come on at anytime at the coaches discretion.
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According to SEN.
RICHMOND’S BEST 22 FOR THE 2023 SEASON
By Andrew Slevison
SEN
13 February
Richmond returned to finals in 2022, falling agonisingly short in an Elimination Final against Brisbane.
Ahead of the 2023 season, they addressed their issues in midfield and now have a much deeper side on paper and one equipped to push for September action again.
The Tigers are being tipped by many to be a genuine threat this year, but how will this improved team work?
(https://images.ctfassets.net/u8w3l566ay8a/269cGnrtUW94i8sYANr0aU/1940adc5c833f3f8827b9698fca04209/2022_Teams_Fields_GFX__15_.png)
Defenders
Richmond’s defence is in fairly good order with multiple key options, some quality smalls and plenty of depth.
Veteran Robbie Tarrant and the emerging Noah Balta hold down the key positions with co-captain Dylan Grimes and Nick Vlastuin assuming the third tall and intercept roles.
Nathan Broad provides flexibility in that he can play a floating, intercept role or take a tighter, one on one job.
Daniel Rioli is the club’s premier rebounder while the versatile Liam Baker, who can go forward or roll through the midfield, is a strong lockdown option when required.
Jayden Short spent plenty of time in the middle last year but could revert to his old half-back role now the on-ball brigade has been bolstered.
Josh Gibcus, who is currently sidelined by a hamstring injury, will also be a central defensive figure once he returns.
Hugo Ralphsmith, who appears the likely sub, can act as a rebounding small if needed. He can also play on the wing.
Midfielders
The cavalry has arrived to make Richmond’s midfield unit much stronger than it was in 2022.
Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper have bolstered the engine room, bring with them traits of class and hardness while providing a serious inside presence.
Dustin Martin and Taranto could perhaps wax as on-ballers who can also impact inside forward 50. Martin is primed to bounce back after struggling for various reasons in 2022.
Dion Prestia remains the club’s most important midfielder and now gets the help he needs and former skipper Trent Cotchin can play a more impactful role in fits and spurts as he enters his twilight stages.
Joint skipper Toby Nankervis is the clear number one ruckman. The burning question is if Damien Hardwick will opt to play a second tall to ease the burden.
Ben Miller was effective as a mobile second ruck late last season and Ivan Soldo is the other obvious choice.
Kamdyn McIntosh and Marlion Pickett have earned the right to be the starting wingers after solid 2022 seasons. Their two-way running and ability in the air make them both key players in the midfield unit.
Shai Bolton will go through the guts when he’s not terrorising defences, Baker can pinch-hit if the situation arises and Short showed he is capable in the middle last year
It is a toss up between Jack Graham and Tyler Sonsie for the final spot on the bench with the latter narrowly nabbing that slot mainly due to his upside.
Graham could be considered stiff to miss, along with Jack Ross, but somebody has to make way for Taranto and Hopper.
Forwards
The attack will again be led by Tom Lynch and Jack Riewoldt.
The pair kicked 103 goals between them last year and when on song together are very hard to stop. Lynch was a colossus in 2022.
Shai Bolton possesses the attributes to create havoc at their feet but is also a major threat in the air. He can at times make the ridiculous look simple.
After booting 40 goals in 2022, he could hold the key to the Tigers’ hopes in 2023.
Noah Cumberland was a revelation last year, returning 19 goals in nine games - including a bag of five - and has to be considered as a starter.
Maurice Rioli should be given the chance to play the out and out crumbing role. His defensive efforts as a small forward were unparalleled league-wide in 2022.
Martin is expected to again spend plenty of time forward and can be a weapon when left isolated. He will be a central figure of the midfield-forward rotation.
Cotchin could also spend time forward, much to the chagrin of Kane Cornes.
Questions
There are some selection headaches for Hardwick.
What happens in defence when Gibcus is fit? Can you play him, Tarrant, Balta, Grimes and Vlastuin together?
Does someone provide relief for Nankervis? Is it Miller or Soldo? Or is it a one-ruck team with help from talls in defence and attack?
Which midfielder(s) do they go with now the Giants pair have arrived? Sonsie? Graham? Ross? Thomson Dow?
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2023/02/12/richmonds-best-22-for-the-2023-season/
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Questions
What happens in defence when Gibcus is fit? Can you play him, Tarrant, Balta, Grimes and Vlastuin together?
Does someone provide relief for Nankervis? Is it Miller or Soldo? Or is it a one-ruck team with help from talls in defence and attack?
Which midfielder(s) do they go with now the Giants pair have arrived? Sonsie? Graham? Ross? Thomson Dow?
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2023/02/12/richmonds-best-22-for-the-2023-season/
1. I would say no. Gibcus played last year because we were trying to turn Balta into a forward. With Noah now back in defence where he should be, then there's no spot for Gibbo unless there's an injury or a drop in form by any of the others. Even against Carlton who play tall, a better and more flexible option would be to have Miller in our 23.
2. Miller in the starting 22 as 2nd ruck. His handiness comes into play if the opposition ruck pushes forward after the centrebounce as Miller can follow him into defence without the need of swapping over opponents on transition. The Dees will no doubt be trying this by rotating Gawn and Grundy.
3. Sonsie would be first choice. Then it's either Ross or Graham depending on whether we need a tagger (please put a tagger on Neale next time Dimma!).
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Where does your new draftees and recruits fit in your club's best 22
Aidan Cellini
sportingnews.com
13 February 2023
Richmond's best 22
FB Nick Vlastuin Robbie Tarrant Dylan Grimes
HB Daniel Rioli Josh Gibcus Nathan Broad
C Jayden Short Dion Prestia Kamdyn McIntosh
HF Liam Baker Jack Riewoldt Shai Bolton
FF Dustin Martin Tom Lynch Jason Castagna
R Toby Nankervis Tim Taranto Jacob Hopper
Interchange Trent Cotchin Noah Balta Hugo Ralphsmith Maurice Rioli
SUB Noah Cumberland
IN: Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper, Kaleb Smith, Steely Green, Seth Campbell, Tylar Young
OUT: Josh Caddy, Kane Lambert, Shane Edwards, Matthew Parker, Sydney Stack, Jake Aarts, Riley Collier-Dawkins, Will Martyn
ANALYSIS: GWS duo Taranto and Hopper will add a lot of midfield strength that will allow Dustin Martin and Shai Bolton to play more forward of the ball.
Expect Damien Hardwick to throw a few names through the centre.
https://www.msn.com/en-au/sport/other/afl-2023-where-does-your-new-draftees-and-recruits-fit-in-your-club-s-best-22/ar-AA14Wy3I
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RICHMOND’S PREDICTED ROUND 1 LINE-UP: TARANTO & HOPPER INTO THE MIDFIELD MIX
By Honeyball Staff Writer
honeyball.com.au
Richmond have not been the most AFL Fantasy or SuperCoach relevant side in recent years but the off-season additions of Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper brings them back into the picture in a big way in 2023.
Mid-time is going to be the key for Taranto and Hopper to offer genuine upside on their starting prices, but we know the Tigers have traditionally not been a high-scoring AFL Fantasy or SuperCoach unit, so there’s a bit to ponder.
Richmond supporter and seasoned SuperCoach gun The SC Bull runs us through his predicted Round 1 line-up for the Tigers.
Defence
Dylan Grimes returns from injury for Round 1, however Josh Gibcus will miss with his injury. I have an eye on Jayden Short, who will switch between the midfield and defence. Could be a DPP option. Nick Vlastuin should be right for Round 1 despite a pre-season ribs issue.
Robbie Tarrant Noah Balta Nathan Broad
Nick Vlastuin Dylan Grimes Daniel Rioli
Midfield
Taranto and Hopper slot straight into Richmond’s best 22, and starting midfield core. Suspect them to play bulk minutes and rest forward when Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin rotate. BUY BUY BUY!
Kamdyn McIntosh Tim Taranto Jayden Short
Toby Nankervis Dion Prestia Jacob Hopper
Forward
Dusty is back, but from reports will spend more time forward. Whilst we know how damaging he can be, he’s a watch this space. Definitely can’t go wrong if you’re looking for a POD – a juicy $677k (AF)/ $480k (SC). Tom Lynch is a bit behind in pre-season due to a plantar fascia problem but word is he’ll be fit for Round 1.
Shai Bolton Jack Riewoldt Maurice Rioli Jnr
Dustin Martin Tom Lynch Noah Cumberland
Bench
Some unlucky Tigers to miss out, but the strong best 18 is rounded out by five on the bench. Sixteen premiership players is nothing to sneeze at! Other names to keep an eye on include – Sam Banks, Tom Brown, Judson Clarke, Jack Graham, Samson Ryan, Tyler Sonsie, and the potential signing of Quinton Narkle.
Ben Miller Liam Baker Trent Cotchin Marlion Pickett
Sub – Hugo Ralphsmith
https://honeyball.com.au/2023/01/30/richmonds-predicted-round-1-line-up-taranto-hopper-into-the-midfield-mix/
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more interested with the magoos atm.
FB: Young - Nyuon - Mansell
HB: Smith - Gibcus - Brown.
C: Banks - Graham - R/Smith
R: Soldo - Ross - Dow
HF: Campbell - Bauer - Clarke
FF: Ryan - Bradtke - Castagna
Int: Green - Colina -
While the spine and tall structure is much improved the lack of big mids actually playing in the two's and being developed is scary.
There is only Ross who has hardly been played as a mid and Graham while not very tall at least is big bodied and its similar for him in regards to playing onball. The only other genuine on ballers are Dow and Green both are not what you would call big mids.
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FpdwbYtaIAMJ6RI?format=jpg&name=large)
https://twitter.com/FootyonNine/status/1627893577178284032
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Once again no second ruck…… Miller for Graham and that’s bang on.
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Hmm best 22 well realistically there would only be 27 or 28 players to pick from at this point in time.
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Still cannot work out how Broad is on the bench Only Tarrant spent more time on the field than Nathan last year
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Who is named starting on the bench does not matter one iota and hasn’t done so for a longgggg time
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Yeah agree but it just annoys me he is starting back 6 is a key member of the backline and rarely comes off the ground.Nothing wrong with being accurate. Putting him on the bench implies he is not integral.
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Yeah agree but it just annoys me he is starting back 6 is a key member of the backline and rarely comes off the ground.Nothing wrong with being accurate. Putting him on the bench implies he is not integral.
Under Dimma, we've played some kind of a 7-man defence (except for the 6-6-6 at centrebounces). The old school team sheets that are still used don't allow for this. So you have to plonk the extra defender's name on the bench. Broad is often the one because he's a utility type.
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Usually we have had a third wing type who plays back behind centre and is nothing more than an outlet player. Jayden Short comes to mind.
Bottom line is Broad is an integral part of the back line and really is a part of the old school back 6.
A utility player is a player who can and does play in all areas of the ground. Broad plays defense almost exclusively. Broad is a flexable defender in that he can play on tall fwds medium and small fwds and provide run with it. He does all that as a defender.
Sorry to say he should be named in the team where he plays and in some ways be shown the respect he deserves for the job he does.I know its a bit petty but it does irk me that we cannot accurately pick players where they play.
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It ain’t that deep claw.
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Usually we have had a third wing type who plays back behind centre and is nothing more than an outlet player. Jayden Short comes to mind.
Bottom line is Broad is an integral part of the back line and really is a part of the old school back 6.
A utility player is a player who can and does play in all areas of the ground. Broad plays defense almost exclusively. Broad is a flexable defender in that he can play on tall fwds medium and small fwds and provide run with it. He does all that as a defender.
Sorry to say he should be named in the team where he plays and in some ways be shown the respect he deserves for the job he does.I know its a bit petty but it does irk me that we cannot accurately pick players where they play.
He's a three-time premiership player, so I'd doubt he would care where he is named on the teamsheet as long as he is in the team.
Who would name as your back six and who would you leave out for Broad, Claw?
Mine would be:
B: Vlastuin Tarrant Grimes
HB: D.Rioli Balta Baker
7th defender: Broad
You could argue Baker can and does at times play elsewhere but Broad isn't a running rebounding half-back flanker. Grimes is probably the closest to Broad in terms of roles (difference would be Broad can push higher up to the wing whereas Grimes plays deep defence) but Grimes has been a staple in our backline for a decade.
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Usually we have had a third wing type who plays back behind centre and is nothing more than an outlet player. Jayden Short comes to mind.
Bottom line is Broad is an integral part of the back line and really is a part of the old school back 6.
A utility player is a player who can and does play in all areas of the ground. Broad plays defense almost exclusively. Broad is a flexable defender in that he can play on tall fwds medium and small fwds and provide run with it. He does all that as a defender.
Sorry to say he should be named in the team where he plays and in some ways be shown the respect he deserves for the job he does.I know its a bit petty but it does irk me that we cannot accurately pick players where they play.
He's a three-time premiership player, so I'd doubt he would care where he is named on the teamsheet as long as he is in the team.
Who would name as your back six and who would you leave out for Broad, Claw?
Mine would be:
B: Vlastuin Tarrant Grimes
HB: D.Rioli Balta Baker
7th defender: Broad
You could argue Baker can and does at times play elsewhere but Broad isn't a running rebounding half-back flanker. Grimes is probably the closest to Broad in terms of roles (difference would be Broad can push higher up to the wing whereas Grimes plays deep defence) but Grimes has been a staple in our backline for a decade.
I would argue strongly that Broad very much provides both run and rebound and also defends all types of opposition players both deep in defence and further up the ground. Like Grimes Broad has been a staple in our backline ever since 2016.
Last year Broad had 120 rebounds more than any other tiger. He took 140 marks more than any other tiger and he was third for 1% ers
Behind only key backs in Tarrant and Gibcus. On that alone he would be the first bloke picked every week in the back half.
I dont view either Baker or Short as defenders but outlet players especially Short.
My back 6 is
Vlastuin - Tarrant - Grimes
Broad - Balta - Rioli
7TH Defender Short if thats what you want to call him.
Edit: quoting tags fixed.
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Hmm after the melbourne practice game rnd 1 id be looking at something like this given injuries to Tarrant Gibcus.
FB/ Vlastuin - Miller - Grimes
HB/ Rioli - Balta - Broad
C/ Pickett - Hopper - Ralphsmith/Banks/Brown/McIntosh.
R/ Nankervis - Taranto - Prestia
HF/ Bolton - Lynch - Sonsie
FF/ Ryan - Riewoldt - Cumberland
INT from / Martin - Cotchin - Baker - Ross - Graham - Clarke - Campbell - MRJ - Ralphsmith.
No Tarrant in comes Miller to f/b. Just looking for rangy better ball users and skills for McIntosh's wing though its pretty clear they won't drop Kamdyn because to drop him you have to acknowledge there are problems with his game.
Onballers pick themselves best ruck best medium mid and best small mid all who can win ball for themselves if need be.
Sonsie well people talk about the Lambert role well this kid has it imo. One of the better kicks and skilled players we have and boy do we need more of that type.Bolton well he is our best small fwd but will be a big part of midfield rotations.
Huge concerns about Riewoldt's ability to compete in the air so went with Ryan as the fwd/ruck option we need more than just Lynch as an aerial prescence.This would be Miller's job if Tarrant manages to get up.
Bench is long but the first three pick themselves. Martin and Cotchin are pivotal mids and will spend most of their time there. Of course Dusty will go forward at times but i think he needs to play mostly mid to free himself up. He is the one that allows us to change it down by resting one of the big fwds.
Our two aged champion mids need looking after especially Cotchin who will play between the midfield and Bench thus looking after his old body.
Baker well the 7th defender if you like, personally i prefer him as a mid.
Then its a lottery Mrj is here he looked way out of sorts and if its a small fwd to be picked id say Clarke is in front of him atm. Clarke could also play a running mid role for us.
No Short im sorry but i dont see a role for him. If McIntosh plays wing then im looking at one of Ralphsmith Banks or Brown bigger running players who are hopefully not so outside. Besides its time to get some games into these kids. Of course Ross and Graham would be in the picture as well
Its a long bench
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Short, McIntosh, Rioli Jnr should be no certainties. Cotchin to play mid for bit over a half then get subbed out.