Lists by position: midfielders, part twoJennifer Phelan
afl.com.au
February 16, 2014 Richmond Matt Arnot: Joined the main group last week after a long rehab from a stress fracture in his back. Is a few weeks from playing but got through 18-on-18 match practice this week. Is feeling good after overcoming the mental hurdle of such a long rehab.
Reece Conca: Has been monitored this pre-season as he overcomes the hamstring tendon tear he suffered in the elimination final. Started training with the main group two weeks ago. Is expected to play in the second NAB Challenge match and push for round one or two.
Trent Cotchin: In typical fashion, has trained the house down. Is having a pre-season rated better than his 2012 one, which saw him equal runner-up for the Brownlow Medal. Has also shown excellent leadership ahead of his second season as captain.
Brett Deledio: Like Cotchin, is another who unexpectedly has put himself through a solid summer and has been reinstated as vice-captain. Has remained durable ahead of his 27th birthday and has spent a lot of time in the midfield and working at the stoppages.
Brandon Ellis: Is set for more of a midfield role after playing wing and half back last year, having trained at the centre bounce and in contested ball work. Has again displayed his envious tank by starring in the time trials.
Nathan Foley: Is having possibly his best pre-season yet. Overcame the disappointment of being dropped for the final and is benefiting from finally being fit over summer. Is up there with Cotchin as far as setting a high standard in the midfield group.
Nathan Gordon: The mature-age half forward has been playing on the wing and on ball after demonstrating an ability to run all day. Is expected to add depth to the midfield and put pressure on the senior players for a berth early on.
Ben Griffiths: Has been settled in the forward line and like Elton, is benefiting from one-on-one work with Mark Williams. Has shown a bit in intraclub games and the belief is playing defence at times last year helped his development. Will play both forward and in the ruck.
Shaun Grigg: Had shoulder surgery in September to tidy up the area around his AC joint. Has been training with the main group for four weeks. The durable midfielder has had to deal with being in the rehab group for the first time in awhile but has benefitted from strength and weights work while out.
Brad Helbig: Joined in full training just before Christmas after starting the pre-season in the rehab group. Has since been working on his contested ball and stoppage work and will be available for pre-season games.
Bachar Houli: Had an interesting pre-season that saw him go on a pilgrimage to Mecca before becoming a father for the first time. Will play on the wing and off half-back and has spent the summer learning the midfield ropes from Cotchin, Grigg and Deledio.
Dan Jackson: Missed the first NAB Challenge game with groin soreness after being managed through the pre-season. Had a terrific 2013 where he played every game and has come in and out of drills as he listens to what his body needs ahead of his 11th season.
Ivan Maric: Had post-season groin surgery that helped alleviate the soreness that has plagued him for years. Was managed through most of the summer and missed the first NAB Challenge game with an ankle. Will team up with Hampson in a new combination this season.
Kamdyn McIntosh: Has been the standout of the younger midfielders. Has shone in the time trials along with Ellis and has given himself a strong opportunity to debut this year after showing promise on the wing and across half back in the 18-on-18 games.
Anthony Miles: Was targeted to increase the midfield's depth after the retirement of Shane Tuck. Has shown his ability to win the ball in close and has done everything since moving to the Tigers from GWS. Needs to be elevated to play but hasn't done his chances any harm so far.
Ricky Petterd: Has trained everywhere and will fill a versatile role across half-forward, half-back and in the middle. Has had a pretty good pre-season but has been managed because of his body's history and missed the first NAB Challenge with a calf.
Orren Stephenson: The warhorse ruckman has completed nearly everything this pre-season. Will be ready to play when needed throughout the season and will play in the NAB Challenge with Maric unavailable for at least the first game.
Matt Thomas: The big-bodied former Port Adelaide midfielder will add depth this season after being recruited as a rookie. Has done everything he can so far despite not being named for the first NAB Challenge.
Cadeyn Williams: The second-year rookie had shoulder surgery over the pre-season and came back after Christmas. Since then, has improved his running and has ticked all the right boxes.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-02-16/engine-room-part-two
