No time to rest for bye team, except for Hawthorn Paul Roos
Herald Sun
June 08, 2013RICHMONDSeventh, 6 wins 4 losses
WHAT'S WORKING: Team structure looks very solid. The Tigers have developed a couple key defenders, Jack Riewoldt is getting more help up forward and, with the addition of players such as Shaun Grigg and Bachar Houli, they now have more depth through their midfield. Throw Nick Vlastuin into the Trent Cotchin/Brett Deledio/Dustin Martin talent pool and there is a lot to like about the Tigers.
WHAT'S NOT WORKING: Their commitment to team defence is sporadic. As soon as their tackling numbers drop they are much easier to defeat. Richmond is 18th in tackling and needs a more consistent effort in this area. They had 71 tackles last week against the Eagles and if they maintain that they will play finals.
MID-YEAR DRAFT: Luke McPharlin. I like Alex Rance and Jake Batchelor's development but, as an immediate inclusion, McPharlin would take the pressure off the young keys and provide a short-term solution to playing on the monster opposition forwards.
COACH PRESSURE GAUGE: 3. The immediate pressure on Damian Hardwick is very low. He is seen as a very good development coach and has his team well placed for the second half of the season.
SUPERCOACH STUD: Nick Vlastuin $414,000 def/mid. Now worth more than Hamish Hartlett and averaging more than Corey Enright, "Tigga" looks like a keeper.
DUD: Ivan Maric $454,000 ruck. He has now dropped more than $150,000 in price. Could be a bargain recruit if he's fresh after the bye.
http://www.news.com.au/sport/not-time-to-rest-for-bye-team-except-for-hawthorn/story-fnect155-1226659635296
