The summer slog: foxsports.com.au checks in with each of the 18 AFL clubs ahead of the 2012 season By John Clark
FOX SPORTS
December 15, 2011All 18 AFL clubs are busy slogging it out under the summer sun in preparation for the 2012 season. We check in with each of them.
RichmondIns: The ruck issue was addressed in trade week with the capture of Ivan Maric. Steven Morris was also added before Brandon Ellis, Todd Elton and Matthew Arnot came in the national draft and Brett O'Hanlon joined in the pre-season draft. Addam Maric, Ben Darrou, Steven Verrier, Gibson Turner, Piva Wright and John Heslin got their chance on the rookie list.
Outs: Pat Contin, Mitch Farmer, Robbie Hicks, Tom Hislop, Ben Jakobi, Mitch Morton (Sydney Swans), Ben Nason, Jamie O'Reilly, Troy Taylor, Will Thursfield (retired), Nick Westhoff.
In the coaches box: Highly-regarded assistant coach Ross Smith left Hawthorn to resume a successful partnership with Damien Hardwick.
From the track: Dustin Martin has learned the lessons of last year's difficult pre-season. Twelve months ago he turned up in less-than-impressive shape and took time to get going in summer. At November's time trial he slashed a minute off his best time around Melbourne's famous Tan running track.
The burning question: When will development translate into finals footy? Success-starved Richmond fans can rightly head into 2012 expecting to be in the top half of the ladder. Two years of development under Damien Hardwick is done and even the coach says it's time to deliver. Can they?
Premiership odds: $81 (courtesy of Sportsbet.com.au, correct at 15/12/2011) .......... that places us 15th ahead of GWS, GC and Port.
Wooden spoon: $71 (courtesy of Sportsbet.com.au, correct at 15/12/2011) ........... puts us equal 5th favourite for the spoon - GWS is $1.20 favourite.
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