How are the bye teams travelling so farBy Ashley Browne
afl.com.au
Friday, June 7, 2013RICHMOND (8th) (sic. we're 7th)
Then: The perennial bridesmaids of the AFL were happy to talk themselves up over the pre-season and to embrace the expectations of their impatient supporters and the many others who believed their time was nigh.
Now: 6-4 and in the eight, so they are tracking well enough. Three wins to open the season and the lid was truly off, but the Tigers had been disappointing since then, until Monday night's 41-point thrashing of West Coast at Patersons Stadium, arguably the club's finest win in 30 years.
Highs: The emergence of second year defender Brandon Ellis and the ripping debut season of Nick Vlastuin. Snapping a four-year streak of losing to Carlton in the season opener is another. Troy Chaplin has been a welcome addition to the backline.
Lows: The Tigers were stiff to lose to the Dockers in Perth, but looked exposed in losses to Geelong, Essendon and Collingwood. Games later this season against Sydney and Hawthorn will tell us plenty. Chris Knights out for the year with a knee injury is a blow.
Key stat: Richmond has scored 44 points per game from clearances this season – ranked second in the AFL. This is impressive considering they average 88 stoppages per game – the equal third-fewest of any side. (Champion Data)
Prognosis: Back in the eight after the win over the Eagles, the Tigers are in pole position to make just their third finals series in 30 years, but with only four gimmes in their remaining 12 games, it will be a close thing. Imagine the euphoria if they beat the Bombers in round 23 to get there.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-06-07/bye-week-wrap-part-one
