Richmond Tigers' forward thinking * Jon Ralph
* Herald Sun
* March 25, 2010 TERRY Wallace is gone from Punt Rd, but clearly he learnt plenty during his three decades of elite football. Planning for the AR Era - "After Richo" - needed to start long before everyone's favourite Tiger pulled the pin and, while credit is in short supply for former coach Wallace, the legacy of his five years is to be found in Richmond's new-look forward line.
Its formation can be traced back to April 13, 2008, when Wallace pushed Matthew Richardson on to a wing against Fremantle to allow the younger brigade to shine.
"We're so used to going to Matthew," Wallace said after the Tigers had won by 64 points at Subiaco Oval.
"We've got to find out whether we've got key-position players who can hold down positions for the future of the footy club."
Since that day many players have tried and failed to establish themselves as key forwards at Richmond.
Cleve Hughes and Jay Schulz have left and Graham Polak's tram accident delayed his emergence, but it is certainly worth working with the players who remain.
Jack Riewoldt (pick 13), Ben Griffiths (19), Jayden Post (26), David Astbury (35) and Troy Taylor (51) were all acquired through the draft as tall targets.
And the Tigers have traded for Mitch Morton (from West Coast for No. 35), and elevated rookies Robin Nahas and Relton Roberts.
With Riewoldt (32 goals, 27 behinds in 2009) a legitimate attacking target and Morton (41.26) a genuine combination of lead-up forward and goalsneak, they have some quality building blocks.
"The younger guys really have an opportunity to step up," Tigers captain Chris Newman said.
"Jack Riewoldt is one that can take that next step. Graham Polak looks really good down there and we have a lot of nippy guys around the scenes - Mitch Morton and Robbie Nahas.
"It's an exciting forward line. We just need to give them an opportunity to be able to kick the goals."
The X-factors will be Taylor, described as an exciting prospect, and Roberts.
"They are two guys who can really come in and make an impact," Newman said. "They really pride themselves on their forward pressure, which is a good starting point."
But can Riewoldt play the crash-and-bash role, creating crumbs for Nahas, Roberts and company?
"I think Riewoldt probably can," Newman said.
"But we (also) have David Astbury coming through and big Griffiths. They both have really good attitudes and they are keen to learn. I think they can all come in and play their role."
Richardson said yesterday Richmond fans had to realise the new-look forward line would not jell instantly.
"It takes time as a key forward," he said. "It's a tough position and it's getting harder and harder as it goes by. Mitch Morton was good last year and he will get better again. Jack is into his fourth year and each year he has taken a step.
"Post showed some good signs last year. He is a really good mark but just needs to develop some explosive speed. There is some good talent down there."
Now comes the boring part - the waiting. Like the next flag, it will take time, but the cupboard is not as bare as some pundits imagine.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/rchmond-tigers-forward-thinking/story-e6frf9if-1225844950130
