Tigers optimistic about fresh start for young core (Zerohanger)

[one-eyed]

Tigers optimistic about fresh start for young core

“It’s a bit of a different feeling but one that everyone’s really looking forward to.”

Frank Seal
zerohanger.com
November 13, 2024

Richmond youngster Sam Banks is excited about the club's future as they embark on their pre-season period ahead of Christmas.

Speaking at a media conference, Banks, who made his AFL debut in Round 17 of 2023, expressed optimism despite the challenges of the previous season.

"It's exciting. New group this year, so a bit of stuff to look forward to," Banks said, reflecting on the club's changes heading into the offseason.

With several new players and staff members joining the Tigers, including a fresh high-performance manager, Banks is eager to see how these additions will impact the team.

Richmond's 2023 season was disappointing by their lofty standards of the last decade, finishing with a lowly two wins and the Wooden Spoon.

"It was a disappointing year, ladder-wise," admitted Banks.

However, he remains hopeful, pointing to the valuable experience gained by young players like himself, who were thrust into the senior team.

"We got a lot of young blokes into the side and gave them experience, so hopefully, this pre-season, we can all build on that and come back better next year."

The Tigers are also looking forward to bolstering their list with a significant draft haul. Richmond is set to add up to eight new players in the upcoming draft, including several high first-round picks, and Banks is excited to welcome them.

"It'll be exciting, there's going to be obviously eight new kids who are going to be in the top 20," Banks said.

"I'm sure they'll be great assets to our footy club."

While the departure of several key players like Liam Baker, Shai Bolton, Daniel Rioli, Dustin Martin and others leaves a major void, Banks sees it as an opportunity for the younger players to step up.

"It means there's opportunities for young boys coming in," he added, optimistic about the role he and others can play in Richmond's rebuild.

https://www.zerohanger.com/tigers-optimistic-about-fresh-start-for-young-core-156725/

[tdy]

I like how he is keeping a positive spin but we are bottoming out again in 2025 any fool can see that. It will be hard to keep spirits up selling hope after getting out arses pumped week in week out.

[Willy]

We'll be bottom 4 no doubt, but I can see us being relatively competitive if we have a decent run with injuries.

That said, I can also see us being putrid...

[Andyy]

With this many draftees we'll get smashed. Is what it is.

If we don't play them but instead play more mature hacks most of the time I'll be peeed off.

Gotta blood the kids, no excuses.

[tdy]

Why don't we take Brandon Parfitt with a late pick or PSD pick as a mature body to help protect the kids and assuming at least one of our elder bodies will break at some stage. He is 26 had lots of games averages 17 possies.

[MintOnLamb]

Why don't we take Brandon Parfitt with a late pick or PSD pick as a mature body to help protect the kids and assuming at least one of our elder bodies will break at some stage. He is 26 had lots of games averages 17 possies.

NO NO NO

[WilliamPowell]

Why don't we take Brandon Parfitt with a late pick or PSD pick as a mature body to help protect the kids and assuming at least one of our elder bodies will break at some stage. He is 26 had lots of games averages 17 possies.

NO NO NO

x 2

[tdy]

Maybe I'm a year early but I think our kids are gonna get bashed because our few remaining oldies won't get on the park much and we will drop half of our middle aged group pretty rapidly. I still think it's a valid strategy to take retreads while your list is young.

[Stripes]

It'll be a transition year. Some of our older players will have great years while some will struggle to get on the park. I'm guessing that we'll rotate almost all our recruits through the side, adding in our younger players, to create a completely new team by year's end. It'll be sad to see the likes of Lynch, Vlaustin, Broad, Prestia, Macca and Short retire or be phased out over the next two years, but it will mean we are progressing quickly.

It's going to be a tough year in terms of results but exciting to see the kids develop.

[camboon]

As with the bottom sides recruitment of senior players  this year, it will be extremely important that we have retained the senior players we have to mentor and coach on-field  , the most important thing is to develop these kids and for the next couple of years winning is second but trying to win is important  for the development of their /our culture