AFL site's Pre-season guide: Richmond

[one-eyed]

Pre-season guide: Richmond
afl.com.au
By Nat Edwards
Sat 19 Mar, 2011


Best 22
B: Chris Newman, Luke McGuane, Moore
HB: Deledio, Astbury, Connors
C: Grigg, Foley, Jackson
HF: Morton, Vickery, Tuck
F: King, Riewoldt, Nason
FOLL: Graham, Cotchin, Martin
I/C: Edwards, Houli, Conca
SUB: Rance

Injury list
Mitch Farmer (ankle) - TBA
Jack Riewoldt (knee) - test

Most valuable player
The fact that the Tigers' game plan last year revolved around Coleman medallist Jack Riewoldt speaks volumes. His 78-goal haul was the highlight in an up-and-down season, and while it is a concern they are so Jack-conscious, it's fair to say Richmond would not have won six games last season without him. When jumping Jack is up and about, he undoubtedly lifts the side.

Track specialist
New recruit Shaun Grigg will add some grunt and versatility to the Richmond midfield, with the 22-year-old able to play a run-with role as well as a high forward or on the wing. He broke his leg late last season but has looked impressive on the training track in 2011. Grigg averaged around 20 disposals for the Blues last year despite limited opportunities, and is set to make an impact at Punt Rd.

Dream Team special
Unlucky midfielder Nathan Foley has only managed 18 games for the Tigers over the past two seasons, and will be looking for a change of fortune in 2011. A leg injury last year saw him restricted to four games in which he averaged 71 Dream Team points. At $235,900, Foley is a steal if his body can hold up.

Pivotal match
The Tigers don't want a repeat of last year's 0-9 start to the season, but with the club to face four 2010 finalists (Carlton, St Kilda, Hawthorn, Collingwood) first off, it looks like a tough ask. Round five against North Melbourne looks the best chance for the Tigers to open their 2011 account.

Draftee watch
Mature-aged ruckman Tom Derickx had an impressive debut season in the WAFL last year and is ready to slot straight into the side. The Tigers' ruckmen need to work on giving their midfielders first taste of the ball, and while Angus Graham is the Tigers’ No.1 big man, Derickx and Andrew Browne will also be making their cases for selection. Derickx can also go forward, which could be an advantage with the new interchange rule.

The Tigers will have a good year if…
They can find alternative forward targets to Riewoldt and tighten up their leaky defence. In 2010, Richmond was the worst defensive team in the competition, conceding 108.5 points per game.

The big issues

Can the Tigers unearth another forward target? Highly-touted key forward Ben Griffiths impressed in his five games last season before injury struck, while Tyrone Vickery has been training with the forwards.

Will Nathan Foley get through the season unscathed? If fit and firing, you can be sure he'll lift the young Tigers.

Can Riewoldt kick a ton? Let's face it, we all want to see another player kick three figures in a season. The finals look to be beyond the Tigers, but 100 goals would put a smile on any Richmond fan’s face.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/109126/default.aspx