Richmond need more output from key-forward dept, so Griffiths is crucial (Fox)

[one-eyed]

Richmond need more output from their key-forward department, and that’s why Ben Griffiths is crucial

April 13, 2017
Peter Tseros, Media Academy columnist
Source: FOX SPORTS

The Tigers have thus far answered their critics by winning their first three games of the year, with a strong chance to make it four wins against Brisbane this weekend.

The recruitment of Dion Prestia, Josh Caddy and Toby Nankervis has bolstered the Tigers midfield, allowing the likes of Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin to move freely.

Richmond has also greatly improved their defensive efforts, averaging 73.7 tackles a game compared to the 60.1 tackles that they averaged last year — the lowest by any club in 2016.

As a result Damien Hardwick’s men have had the perfect start and are in a good position to claim a spot in the top eight this year after their poor 2016 campaign.

However, if the Tigers want to make a genuine play for the finals this season, there is still one aspect of their game that urgently needs improvement, their forward line.

Yes, Richmond’s small forwards have shown us just how dangerous and classy they can be through Dan Butler, Ben Lennon, Daniel Rioli and Jason Castagna, who are keeping the likes of Sam Lloyd out of the side.

Although, the same cannot be said for their tall options upfront, as they have been unable to make their presence felt thus far.

Two-time Coleman Medallist Jack Riewoldt has only managed a mere four goals from three games, with fellow tall forwards Ben Griffiths and Todd Elton remaining goalless.

With the loss of Tyrone Vickery during last year’s free agency and trade period, Tigers fans looked to Ben Griffiths to emerge as the second option up forward.

Griffiths showed us that he has the ability to take up this role with a five-goal haul against Sydney and three-goals against Essendon last year.

However, he hasn’t been able to replicate that form so far this season, which has restricted Riewoldt’s impact on game day as well.

Griffiths did miss his side’s win over West Coast due to concussion but is expected to return this week, after Todd Elton failed to impress against the Eagles.

If Richmond is to succeed this year then they need more of a presence from their tall targets upfront, as well as there improved small brigade.

All eyes will now be on Griffiths to fill this role, with Toby Nankervis’s impressive form meaning that he will be doing majority of the ruck duties, allowing Griffiths to play predominantly up the ground.

We now have to ask ourselves: can Griffiths’s body hold up for an entire season? Which he has failed to do thus far in his career. Or can he can bring the level of consistency the Tigers so desperately need, of a second tall option? Only time will tell.

We have to take into account that Griffiths won’t only have an effect on Riewoldt’s output, but the output of the team in general.

If Richmond is in fact a genuine finals threat, then they need Griffiths to show us why the Tigers’ faithful rate him so highly — and soon, too.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/media-academy/richmond-need-more-output-from-their-keyforward-department-and-thats-why-ben-griffiths-is-crucial/news-story/c24b44c5249d0b9363a1f03d5708b340

[Rodgerramjet]

Written by a dill, he's got no idea how valuable Jack Riewoldt really has been up forward so far this year, he doesn't have to kick the goals as long as somebody does and if he's providing that opportunity for others then he's done his job.

[Tigeritis™©®]

I think Jack needs to lift and kick straighter especially the easy ones. That's his job.
All players need to strive to be better no matter who they are. He has definitely improved his forward pressure and is leading the way in this area.

Any full forward shouldn't be satisfied with a 33% goal kicking efficiency especially a dual Coleman medalist.