Don't write off the Tigers' list just yetWayne Carey
The Age
4 August 2016Adam Treloar created quite the controversy when he declared he chose Collingwood over Richmond because they had a "better list". While both clubs have performed well below expectations, clearly he's been proven correct.
But even after the Tigers issues were laid bare against GWS, it might not be as big a disaster at Punt Road as people have suggested.
Yes, tough decisions need to be made when it comes to list management, but the club has too much talent for this group to be a total write-off.
While there has been much talk about the Tigers needing to trade a big name, I'm not sure that's the right option, given only last year they had 15 wins and just missed out on the top-four.
Trent Cotchin, Dustin Martin, Alex Rance, Jack Riewoldt and Brett Deledio should be regarded as almost untouchable, unless a mutually acceptable deal is worked out.
If Deledio came to the club and said, 'I want to chase a premiership elsewhere', then no problem. But I think shopping around a player of his standing would leave a bad taste in everyone's mouth.
Perhaps the Tigers biggest concern is the fact those A-graders have all played somewhere near their best, bar Deledio who has been injured.
They don't seem to have got any growth from their middle tier and their development of younger players is just about the worst in the competition.
With that in mind, it's time for former top-10 draft pick Tyrone Vickery to be moved on. How much currency does he have? I'm not sure. But Ben Griffiths is emerging as a better player in that forward role.
The Tigers should get Chris Yarran on the park next season, but even then they need to be as aggressive as they can in the free agency and trade periods.
I believe Damien Hardwick is still the right man to coach the club, but he will know another season without finals will spell trouble.
The reality is both Richmond and Collingwood will need to look seriously at their coaching groups if they fail to make September in 2017.
If Hardwick or Nathan Buckley think the scrutiny has been intense this year, they'll need to brace for pressure on a whole new level next season.
Buckley could be under the microscope the most given he doesn't have the luxury of an extra year on his contract like Hardwick, and because the Magpies will believe they should jump back into contention.
Collingwood is a club which has had high expectations and I don't think they've been completely unrealistic. Let's not forget they were 8-3 at the halfway mark in 2014 and 2015, before this year's disappointment.
The Pies have built depth in the midfield, with the grunt of guys like Levi Greenwood and Taylor Adams, and the class of Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom and Treloar. But too many around them have underperformed.
It's becoming more obvious a trade would be beneficial for both Travis Cloke and the club, given his ongoing struggles.
He would have plenty to offer elsewhere and the Pies could then build their attack around Darcy Moore, who is clearly a star of the future. The question is who can they recruit to support him?
I've said previously I don't think Dane Swan will return, while Jamie Elliott won't have played in more than 12 months due to injury.
At the other end of the ground Nathan Brown has had a poor season, and the Pies' ball use out of defence has been a massive issue.
Even putting results aside both clubs appear to be lacking a clear direction on the field. The Pies structure has been exposed on regular occasions, while the Tigers have played a stagnant brand of footy that has been extremely frustrating for supporters.
A team like St Kilda might have much less talent, but their effort has been almost non-negotiable, except for a few poor performances interstate. You can tell they're on the right track.
The challenge for Collingwood and Richmond is to finish the season strongly. Ending on a high note can really set the tone for the entire pre-season and tonight is the chance to take the first step in ensuring that happens.
Plus, the Tigers should have a score to settle.
Last time they met, they lead for much of the contest, before Brodie Grundy kicked the winning goal for the Pies with just seconds remaining.
Cotchin is often viewed harshly, but he needs to make a statement after Treloar patted him on the head post-game, apparently telling the Tigers skipper he spoke too soon when it came to the result.
When Buckley chose Collingwood over North Melbourne at the end of 1993 (despite a verbal agreement with us), it was drummed into everyone at Arden Street that he needed to be targeted physically. And he was.
The same should go for Treloar, especially after that exchange with Cotchin.
While victory for either side will have little bearing on the ladder, in a way both clubs should treat this as a final. Who knows, it might just lay the foundations for their next tilt at September.
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/afl-season-2016-dont-write-off-the-tigers-list-just-yet-20160804-gqkt2b.html
