2nd preview (by Crazy Bomber)
So now it's Richmond. Hardwick has just about the hardest job in the AFL in the moment at somehow lifting Richmond hearts from the slums. They had a massive cleanout last year, ditching almost 10 players or a 3rd of their list. Without doubt the hardest incoming gig into coaching so let's look at their list.
Backline: 3.5 - There's precious little to hang your hat on to if you're a Richmond supporter. Luke McGaune was their main anchor in 2009. He played all 22 games and fought very hard during the year against big odds and was mostly boxing above his weight. He at times lacked kicking skills and became over rawed but he also did a few nice things every now and then as he did enough to hold his spot. He's certainly shouldn't hold a key position down back though as he's either not ready or not talented enough to do so, but will most likely keep doing so until Richmond's backline improves which looks some time off yet.
Alongside McGaune was Kelvin Moore, who at 26 this year, seemingly went backwards last year. He finished 5th in their best and fairest in 2008, and last year he couldn't even sneak into their top 10 from his 19 games as he seemed to have struggled for form as he battled the bigger and better opposition forwards. I wouldn't be surprised to see him out of their best 22 come Round 22 next year. He could work as a medium rebounding defender as he has shown in the past he can do well attacking and defending but without support he can and will likely be overwhelmed.
Then there's Thursfield, at 23 he managed 13 games last year and is still yet to find a regular gig in a poor Richmond backline. He's gone through injuries and looks slightly too thin and could struggle against the bigger bodies like Fevola, to be able to hold a FB spot, something Richmond want him to do. He has the talent but there's a long journey ahead for him it seems in bulking up and getting games under his belt. Pencil him in for Round 1 though if he's fit and he certainly has talent.
Their captain and probably best player down back, Chris Newman, did what was required of him as he played numerous roles as a rebounding defender. Although he at times seemed burdened by his responsibilities he fought hard and never gave in (you can't say that about many of his teammates) and again he'll be required to lift the team. I see no improvement in him playing wise though which could be a concern.
Dean Polo also had a respectable year. After a horrendous 2008 season, he played all but 1 game in 2009 and even managed to finish 9th in their best and fairest award. He had some excellent games last year but also some very poor one's and is yet to justify their Round 2 draft selection of him. At 23, it doesn't look like happening either. But still, he showed improvement, which is a start, but Tiger fans will have to think again if they think he'll show any of the form he did in his famous first game (dream time game... remember folks?)
Young Alex Rance, who most remember from that sickening head clash showed he has courage and after 15 games last year he could find he will be given time to develop under Hardwick. What this means for players such as McGaune, Moore and Thursfield remains to be seen but I'd certainly have this boy in my side and give him plenty time to develop as he looks the most likely from this backline.
I'd not at all be surprised to see Richard Tambling at the Half Back Flanks either or even young Jayden Post switched down back to help his development further. Then you have everybody's favorite Jake King, who struggled for form managing only 8 games and was at times destroyed by his opponent. You can't question his toughness or attack on the footy, but he has poor skills and time will tell if is given room to breathe under Hardwick. Wouldn't be surprised to see him delisted come end of the year. The same could be said for Jordan McMahon who somehow still get's a gig as the unreliable quarterback. I'd be willing to bet money he doesn't get many games under someone like Hardwick. Young draftee Webberly could also be given a go quickly down back, who at 21 should be ready to play soon just like Hartingham for us.
Midfield: 6.5 - Something to build on here. Brett Deledio, their next captain will be an absolute gun this year as he will be given more time in the middle. Turning 23 soon, this guy is about ready to explode as he finally started living up to expectations in the last 8 weeks of the year, where he picked it up and started averaging near 30 possessions and kicked 10 goals in that time. He won their best and fairest but he still has improvement in him as he eyes more midfield time which he will definitely get. Still occasionally struggles with taggers but looks to have improved with that in the last few months of last year.
Then you have Daniel Jackson, who I'd love in our team. He managed all 22 games, finished second in their best and fairest, and was fantastic in playing an attacking tagger type role sort of like Cameron Ling does for Geelong. Not the most silky skills but this guy won't give in and numerous times found himself playing seemingly alone in effort and determination. Big respect for this guy although Idoubt he can improve from last year.
Ben Cousins, despite missing 7 games through hamstring problems still managed to finish 5th in their best and fairest which says a lot about the state of a team that has a near 32 year old and coming off huge pressures off-field manages to dominate a midfield. There's no questioning Cousins' ability but at 32 you have to ask if he's taking the spot of a kid as he surely only has a year or so left.
Richard Tambling who at one stage was being jeered by his own supporters, and laughed at by his inability to effect the game at all, suddenly was the one having the last laughs. Once Wallace left he became the player Richmond fans had been hoping for as he ran hard and racked up possessions as he had the best year of his career. Finished fourth in their best and fairest and you could argue that he still has plenty more improvement to come. The same could be said for Matt White who missed 6 games but showed be should be in Richmond's best side if he plays to potential. He has blistering pace although his smarts are questionable as he'd often be caught holding the ball trying to run the field on his own or having brain explosions by choosing the wrong options. Hardwick will probably set him straight.
Then there's Nathan Foley, the boy everyone forgot. He missed 8 games last year with injuries and Richmond really missed him as he not only provided rare pace in the middle for Richmond but was genuinely a good player despite carrying a big tag in 2008 which reduced his influence. Put it like this; he played just over half of the games last year and finished 6th in their best and fairest. I don't know whether to laugh or cry for Richmond fan's. Someone who missed 2 months worth of football should not be in a top 10. Shane Tuck, someone who finished just below Foley in the count and who for years battled valiantly in their midfield and held the fort, is suddenly being pushed out after years of leading their contested ball winning stats. He was told he was kept for contract purposes only and is sadly just about gone as the youth pushes through and him out. If injuries hit, he could be called on though.
Brent (sic) Cotchin, besides Deledio is easily their most exciting prospect a this stage. Ruined by injuries thus far, and played only 10 games last year, this kid has probably the best kicking skills of the entire side and if he get's on the park he could be a massive factor in Richmond's rise. Next to him will no doubt be Dustin Martin, the number 3 pick who oozes class and will be expected to provide massive class even as early this year. Andrew Collins, who came from nowhere last year should also expect a few more games and could be a surprise packet as he is developed under Hardwick and showed plenty of potential last year. Then you have other players such as Hislop (as AB said it's make or break for him) who I'm hardly convinced on, Connors and a few other young kids get will get chances in their rebuilding phase.
Forwardline: 4.5 - Sadly lacking a power forward. They had only 4 players kick over 9 goals which is a worry and with Richardson gone they really lack anything worrying for opposition defences.
I'll start with Riewoldt, their main hope. He booted 32 goals from 20 games in a respectable effort but at times really disappointed with the burden. Despite having a few blinders (think his 5 goal haul against us) he needs to take another step up for Richmond to climb the ladder. For mine he still needs more strength and he should be aiming for 40 goals this year but he is still young.
Mitch Morton who lead the way with goals (41) was one of the few good stories after coming from West Coast. Often held responsibilities that he shouldn't have and needs support around him. All in all a great year for him to build on as he should provide a threat assuming Riewoldt and co step up and lend him a hand.
Like Morton, Nahas played above himself and kicked 21 goals as a small forward which was a great effort after his career looked gone last year. He along with Morton provide quality alternative options and will certainly trouble opposition backs if given decent delivery.
Next to those three, there's no much left. Deledio spent time forward (kicked 20 goals) last year but that might dry up if he spends more time in the middle. I'd still expect him to play full-forward on occasions as he can definitely mark and kick bags of goals. You then have someone like Vickery who'll spend time forward occasionally but you can hardly expect a young ruckman to kick enough goals and I'd hardly be pinning my hopes on a forward who's shown less up forward than Laycock (forward wise.)
Expect young star on the rise Jayden Post to hold a key position up forward. He reminds me of a young Richo as he has great hands and questionable kicking skills but a good heart. I feel that he may be the person to help Riewoldt as a key target. Once again though, you can hardly rely on a young kid to kick your goals. Recruits Griffiths and Troy Taylor may be given time as both are rated highly, especially Griffiths who is a good key forward prospect but both may have to wait it out in the reserves for now. Other than that there's precious little else besides makeshift midfielders playing forward. Tambling will be given a run, Cotchin the same, Shane Edwards, Collins, Hislop or even Simmonds if they get desperate.
Ruckman: 3 - Lordy. About the worst in the league. Angus Graham will get first bite but I wouldn't be surprised if he is dropped. Project player and definitely a long term prospect, he won't get near the better ruckman and the team will struggle due to the class difference.
Troy Simmonds somehow survived another year despite approaching 32 and missing half of last year. He could well be forced to take over from Graham and Vickery as both develop more. His form hardly warranted another season but he is probably insurance only. Troy (sic) Vickery, their main hope, needs more time and I worry that he may be thrown to the wolves too early due to Richmond's weak rucks but he ahs the talent so who knows. Then you have someone like a kid in Browne who at 205cm could get a few games but probably won't. Heaven help them if injuries hit.
Predicted Finish: 16th-13th - Hardwick has inherited the hardest job in the business and expectantly cleaned out a lot of deadwood. They have an exciting midfield core that should win them games alone, but a poor backline and a young and shady forwardline will mean they might struggle and get well beaten against top teams. I have no doubt Hardwick will enforce a better gameplan or a competitive one at least, at worst a game plan that involves team work as last year certain players played for themselves only which must stop this year. Too much relies on a young and exciting midfield and young kid Riewoldt and for that I can't see them outside the bottom 4. I don't think they'll finish bottom and I honestly think they'll get better, but not by much.
Best Brownlow Bet: Brett Deledio
From Nowhere Star: Andrew Collins
