Season preview: RichmondNathan Schmook
afl.com.au
March 24, 2015 5:00 PMBest 22B: David Astbury, Troy Chaplin, Dylan Grimes
HB: Bachar Houli, Alex Rance, Nick Vlastuin
C: Brandon Ellis, Trent Cotchin, Taylor Hunt
HF: Brett Deledio, Ben Griffiths, Shane Edwards
F: Ty Vickery, Jack Riewoldt, Steven Morris
Foll: Ivan Maric, Anthony Miles, Dustin Martin
I/C: Chris Newman, Reece Conca, Shaun Grigg
Sub: Chris Knights
Health of the listThe Tigers adjusted this pre-season after last year's injury-hit start to the season, backing off the training loads of Brett Deledio and Ivan Maric and getting them to round one in good shape. The backline is also at full fitness, with Alex Rance and David Astbury taking momentum into the season rather than nursing injuries like they did last year. Chris Newman should be available by round two following heart surgery, but Nathan Foley (foot) faces a 4-7 week stint on the sidelines.
The big questionsCan the Tigers win a final? After storming into September in the past two years, the Tigers have been bundled out in week one.
Will out-of-contract key defender Rance turn his back on lucrative offers from his home state of WA and re-sign?
Can the Tigers stamp their finals credentials from the start of the season and avoid the hole they found themselves in at 3-10 last year?
Summer standoutDustin Martin's goal this summer was to build his engine, setting him up to play primarily as a midfielder in 2015. His price has been slashed in Brownlow Medal markets following some outstanding NAB Challenge form, and his growing maturity has been on display in training.
Fantasy cash cowChris Knights ($291,000) is a risky choice given his injury history, but if he can stay on the park he is certain to make you a profit. Looks to have regained confidence in his body and should slot into a half-forward role this season where he has the ability to push up the ground and lift his possession tally.
Sudden impactKane Lambert is ready to join the Tigers' midfield after proving his ball-winning ability through the NAB Challenge, A mature-age rookie who has starred at VFL level, he finished the NAB Challenge quietly but could add much-needed depth to the engine room if elevated.
It's crunch time for …Ty Vickery. The tall forward's 2014 season was over after he served a four-match suspension for punching ruckman Dean Cox in round 18, failing to win his spot back for the Tigers' final, with Ben Griffiths preferred. Vickery is now competing for his spot weekly and there are young forwards on the list waiting in the wings if he doesn't stamp himself in 2015.
Pivotal matchIn round five at the MCG the Tigers face Geelong, a team they haven't beaten since 2006. It will be their first game against top-eight opposition from 2014 and an early test of their credentials this year. Win, and momentum will build. Lose, and there will be questions around how much the Tigers have improved.
The Tigers will have a good year if …Trent Cotchin gets the midfield support he needs for a full season. With Anthony Miles in the team for the second half of last year Richmond was a significantly better clearance and contested possession team. Throw Martin into the centre this year, and Cotchin has a lot more support. It will make a big difference.
AFL.com.au consensus predicted ladder finish: 8th
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-03-24/season-preview-richmond
