One-flag wonders? Don't write off the Tigers just yetWayne Carey
The Age
11 April 2019For the past few years they've had a great run with injury and their so-called big four have hardly missed a game.
So just what will the absence of Trent Cotchin, Dustin Martin, Jack Riewoldt and Alex Rance mean for the Tigers this week and beyond?
Can we write them off as one-flag wonders, or will the Tigers still add to their premiership triumph of 2017?
When you think of teams who deserved more success it's hard to go past the Essendon side of 1999-2001.
While they won the flag in 2000, many of those Bombers will openly admit they should have achieved more.
That's not to diminish how tough it is to win a premiership, but simply acknowledging how dominant they were during those years under Kevin Sheedy.
The same thing can be said about the North Melbourne side of the mid-to-late '90s, at least until we backed up our '96 premiership by pinching one in '99 – a year in which Essendon were probably the best team but lost after that tackle from Fraser Brown in a preliminary final against Carlton.
Some in footy seem pretty keen to declare Richmond's season is done, particularly given there's no coming back for Rance.
But while Saturday's clash against Port Adelaide and the matches to follow will be tough, it might also be the making of them. I wouldn't be putting a line through them just yet.
With every injury or suspension comes opportunity.
Clearly any replacements will not be like-for-like in terms of talent, but they'll be incredibly hungry knowing they have got two or three weeks to impress before most of the big guns return.
Yes, the Tigers have had to give away a bit of depth in the off-season, as most successful clubs do, but those who come in will still know if they play well enough there are spots for the taking.
Likewise, it gives the Tigers' middle rung a chance to make the step up from role-players to genuine leaders.
Guys such as acting captain Shane Edwards, Kane Lambert, Nick Vlastuin, Dylan Grimes and David Astbury have all shown they are very handy players in their own right.
Now, they've got the chance to prove they're even more valuable as leaders.
Despite being new to the club, Tom Lynch can do the same given his experience as skipper at Gold Coast.
Another bloke who must stamp himself as a leader over the next month, albeit without the title, is one who'll be watching from the stands this weekend.
Dustin Martin might not offer what some perceive as leadership qualities, but there's no doubt his teammates will walk taller with him back to his best.
With Cotchin and co. sidelined, Dusty can lead with his actions rather than words. That's staying disciplined and attacking the contest.
Footy can be a fickle caper. He's been rightly pumped up as the best player in the game at different stages, but more recently his critics have also been quick to emerge.
There's no doubt he would be a little embarrassed by what went on against Greater Westen Sydney last weekend. Anyone who thinks Dusty won't be hurting is kidding themselves.
While there might be a perception he doesn't have the same level of care factor as other footballers, you don't get to that level without a strong commitment.
For most champions such as Dusty, your biggest critic is yourself and nothing fires you up more than your own pride. I've got no doubt that will be burning inside him, and he'll come out firing next week.
Until then, and until Richmond gets most of their best 22 back, those who run out in yellow and black simply need to scrap and fight.
Grinding out a few ugly wins over the next month will be invaluable come September.
So the challenge is there for the Tigers: are they a good team who, like many others, claim just the one flag? Or are they a great team who can really seal their place in history?
When you retire you realise how quickly those premiership windows pass you by, so the time for Hardwick's men is now.
We're about to find out what they're really made of.
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/one-flag-wonders-don-t-write-off-the-tigers-just-yet-20190411-p51d8p.html
