2012 AFL premiership season preview with Dermott Brereton:
Richmond tipped to finish in 13th position By John Clark
FOX SPORTS
March 11, 2012 Foxsports.com.au takes a look at Richmond, the team Dermott Brereton predicts will finish
15th (sic) 13th in the 2012 AFL premiership season.
Richmond ListMatthew Arnot, David Astbury, Jake Batchelor, Andrew Browne, Reece Conca, Daniel Connors, Trent Cotchin, Matt Dea, Brett Deledio, Tom Derickx, Shane Edwards, Brandon Ellis, Todd Elton, Nathan Foley, Angus Graham, Ben Griffiths, Shaun Grigg, Dylan Grimes, Brad Helbig, Bachar Houli, Daniel Jackson, Jake King, Dean MacDonald, Ivan Maric, Dustin Martin, Luke McGuane, Kelvin Moore, Steven Morris, Robin Nahas, Chris Newman, Brett O'Hanlon, Jayden Post, Alex Rance, Jack Riewoldt, Shane Tuck, Ty Vickery, Jermey Webberley, Matt White. (Rookies): Ben Darrou, John Heslin, Addam Maric, Brad Miller, Gibson Turner, Steven Verrier, Piva Wright.
New faces: Matthew Arnot (national draft), Brandon Ellis (national draft), Todd Elton (national draft), Ivan Maric (Adelaide), Steven Morris (GWS), Brett O'Hanlon (pre-season draft).
Out the door: Mitch Farmer (delisted), David Gourdis (delisted), Mitch Morton (Sydney), Ben Nason (delisted), Troy Taylor (delisted), Will Thursfield (retired).
Last year: From six wins in 2010 to eight victories and a draw in 2011. They call that progress, and at Punt Road it is welcome. Damien Hardwick's second season in charge was focused on getting games in to young players and competing for longer periods. The Richmond style under Hardwick also developed last year; they were keener to use the corridor and attacked dangerously at times from half back.
Room for improvement: The ruck was one position the Tigers thought they could get a quick fix in during the trade period, hence the addition of Ivan Maric from the Crows. Hopefully that gives their work around the clearances - ranked 16th in the league in 2011 - a boost. Richmond had 81 fewer hitouts-to-advantage than their opposition last season. The likes of Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin and Nathan Foley could do with a bit more service.
Game breaker: Sometimes you can look to hard for a player capable of cracking a contest open. Let's not do that now - Jack Riewoldt is the man at the Tigers. As Richmond tried to find more avenues to goal, Riewoldt found life a little tougher. He was also battling injury for chunks of the campaign. However, he kicked 62 goals and increased his scoring assists. His defensive work is underrated, too, with Riewoldt averaging six forward 50 pressure acts per match. That's elite.
Rising star: Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin and Tyrone Vickery have graduated from this category in recent years. Now it's Reece Conca's turn. If the Tigers are going to be a force they need another batch, headed by Conca, to emerge. The No.6 draft pick of 2010 is a no-fuss customer who plays a style the coach would love - apart from the senseless suspension in week one of the NAB Cup. Fans won't flock to see him strut his stuff but they'll love the way he does his job and makes good decisions every time the footy is in his hands.
Key arrival: Ivan Maric may prove the answer in the ruck while his namesake Addam Maric could thrive after crossing from the Demons. The small forward has plenty of tricks but his workrate - and desire - was questioned during his time in red and blue. If he's worked hard enough then time pinch-hitting in the midfield wouldn't surprise.
Coach factor: Already Hardwick's contract has become a talking point with the coach entering his third season at the helm. It's hard to imagine it's finals or bust for the former Essendon and Port Adelaide hardman but he wouldn't want a slow start to the year. The players and fans have warmed to him despite a winning percentage that hovers just under 33.
Numbers game: Richmond showed promising signs last season but there's still a problem in defence for Damien. Good sides, premiership sides, are built on strength in the back half. Last season the Tigers conceded 109 points per game, ranked 15th in the league, after letting in 107 the season prior. It's not all about who's protecting things down back - Richmond's defenders were dealing with an average of 55 inside 50s a week, the fifth-most in the AFL.
Dermott Brereton says: "The Tigers are getting closer to as good as they can give but unfortunately for them the other teams are better. I love the Tigers, I don't know what it is, I instinctively go for them when they're playing a neutral side. But, since 1980, Fitzroy have played in more finals than Richmond and they've been extinct for 15 years. Maric comes in and will be good for them but can he give the midfield an armchair ride against the best teams in the competition? It's unlikely. He will give them a good lift against teams around Richmond on the ladder but not when it comes to the elite opposition."
The Adjudicator says: "Righto, I've got a confession. My name is The Adjudicator and I love Richmond. I don't barrack for the Tigers but put them on FOX FOOTY and you've got me watching. Their fans are fruit loops who are known to microwave memberships and their board is prone to punting a coach at any stage. They are the Melrose Place of the AFL with drama at every turn. This year will be no different as they win 10 games and break hearts along the way."
Fantasy banker/darkhorse: Brett Deledio ($568,700) has become a feature of most SuperCoach defences in recent times. He has his critics in the real world but when it comes to SuperCoach points, few do it like Deledio. Hasn't missed a game in the past four seasons which is a bonus. If you're looking for a cheap option to accompany the No.1 draft pick then teammate Steven Morris ($113,200) could be the man. The 23-year-old is ready to play and averaged 18 disposals for West Adelaide in the SANFL last season.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-premiership/afl-premiership-season-preview-with-dermott-brereton-richmond-tipped-to-finish-in-13th-position/story-e6frf3e3-1226294901812
