Herald-Sun Footy Liftout

[one-eyed]

RICHMOND PREVIEW

Will Terry be there in 2009?
BY Mark Robinson

When you look at Richmond it's difficult not to focus on Terry Wallace.

He and Rodney fade are the “under pressure” Melbourne-based coaches this year and .if Wallace, in his fourth year, endures another bottom-feeding season, this page next year might be assessing a new coach. And Wallace knows the score.

So where are the Tigers at? Finals? Unlikely. Bottom two? Possible, but they will be - have to be - better than 2007. That .means a finish between 10th' and 14th with 7-10 wins.

Any better and Wallace will have the masses behind him. Any worse, and he might be looking for a new job.

What's the motto? Spirit and skills. The Kangaroos kill for each other and the Tigers kill each other.

We're talking in terms of sacrifice, support and team first mentality. Which, of course, all gets tested when the ball is shoddily delivered.

[one-eyed]

SIX TO WATCH .... the only way is up

1. BRETT DELEDIO: Had to appreciate Deledio on wheels out of the goalsquare late last year, giving Richmond a new dimension in the forward line: excitement. Remember Collingwood? Plans still afoot to make him an elite midfielder, but 45 goals is not beyond him if plays mainly as a forward, where the focus has been over the pre-season.

2. NATHAN FOLEY:  From rookie to A-grader as quick as he pumps his little legs on the burst from the middle. The All-Australian team beckons
individually, but from a team perspective he needs more support. Consistency from midfield teammates surely isn't too much to ask.

3. TRENT COTCHIN: The expectation shouldn't be high, but the young fella (pick two in the 2007 national draft) is the future. Make Tiger fans smile a couple of times a game on the way to 13 touches and he's on his way. Will miss the first month with a foot injury.

4. WILL THURSFIELD: Like this kid. He is an old-fashioned, reliable defender who struggled with injury before 2007, as Wallace continued to remind everyone. The coach's faith was rewarded. One of the key planks in the Tigers' planned renaissance.

5. NATHAN BROWN: No excuses for Browny. Fit (enough) they say, leg mended, mind right. He should aim for 50 goals -he's good enough. A combination of Deledio, Brown and Richo sounds better than Richo, Krakouer and a rotation.

6. RICHARD TAMBLING:  Waiting, waiting ... but we can't wait any more. Flashes more than substance to date, but the kid can play. Wallace needs a breakout year from him, and vice versa. Will play midfield.   

[one-eyed]

IS THE TALENT DEEP AND CONSISTENT ENOUGH?

No. Tuck, Johnson, Foley, Tivendale, Tambling, Jackson (watch him), Hyde, Connors (and him), Simmonds, Pattison,  King, Polo and Coughlan (off two knees) will control the midfield fortunes. As a mix it has proven to be only fair. When push comes to shove Wallace must play youth: - eg, Connors ahead of Tivendale.

The defence is more settled: Thursfield, Graham, Polak are the key-position players, Joel Bowden, Chris Newman, Andrew Raines  and a sixth - probably Jordan McMahon - will give the run and rebound.   

CAN THEY KICK GOALS?
 
The forward line will appear dangerous, although another key-position to complement Richardson is still to put up his hand. Jay Schulz and Cleve Hughes need a strong year. They refused to trade Schulz so we can assume he's back in favour. Maybe they'll rotate Troy Simmonds and Adam Pattison as the second big man.

The Tigers have an abundance of small to mid-sized players so a forward group might be Richo, Brown, Deledio, Kayne Pettifer and Jack Riewoldt with the plan to move the ball quick and clean, two words not associated with Richmond last year. Former Eagle Mitch Morton will also be given every opportunity.

FRESH BLOOD

Daniel Connors...

Trent Cotchin and Jack Riewoldt are first-round draft picks, so might have a poke at Connors. He has pace, aggression, and pretty good skills. Might be a bargain at No. 58 from the 2006 draft.

[tigersalive]

Wow, maybe, just maybe Robbo done some research on this. 

It's a pretty good write-up to be honest.

[richmondrules]

There has been little or no talk of Edwards. The kid oozes class but seems to slip off the radar with most people. A bit of bulk and I reckon he's going to be a real weapon. They all talk about Connors (rightly so) but I think Edwards is just as exciting, has shown more, and is fitter.

[yellowandback]

There has been little or no talk of Edwards. The kid oozes class but seems to slip off the radar with most people. A bit of bulk and I reckon he's going to be a real weapon. They all talk about Connors (rightly so) but I think Edwards is just as exciting, has shown more, and is fitter.

A quality player.  Could be a top tenner in our B&F this year.

[Smokey]

There has been little or no talk of Edwards. The kid oozes class but seems to slip off the radar with most people. A bit of bulk and I reckon he's going to be a real weapon.

Well you got your wish re: a bit of bulk, judging by the Herald Sun liftout.  And at 186cm and 78kgs Andy Collins is filling out nicely too.  If he has the ability to match his attitude he could easily be another 'diamond' from the late picks.

[Darth Tiger]

Wow, maybe, just maybe Robbo done some research on this. 

It's a pretty good write-up to be honest.

Wow this was written by Robinson 

Completely unsolicited, might make a journo yet (I jest of course)