Started with reminding everyone about his 2011 statement 18 months ago and that he got canned for. So he didn't think we were in such a bad state as everyone said we were at the beginning of the year.
He felt that the squad wasn't going to move forward until our young players gained ownership of the team which wasn't likely to occur until the older players moved on.
Positives of list now
* Age of squad - Most between 18-24. 2-3 years away from maturing
* Quality midfield base for the future - a couple of young ruckman coming on and genuine quality mids - Cotch, Martin, Foley
* Genuine stars at both ends - Jack at FF and Lids at HB (fantastic move by Dimma and AA form. Becoming a A-grader).
We've got enough mids to take Lids out of the midfield to HB. Dimma coming from Hawthorn obviously using Lids in that Luke Hodge-type role.
Would keep Cuz next year - experience and education for youngsters.
Tigers to look out for in the future:
* Post
* Rance - at the moment a question on where's he going to play. Sets standards at training. Dixon asked if he could become a tagger as Ling did (Ling was a junior FF who became a midfield tagger) and Plough said yes. Club needs to find out where to play him.
* Plough wouldn't go out and draft any more tall defenders and just stick with our athletic defenders McGaune, Moore and Thursty for now. Post and Rance to becme our bigger body defenders in time.
* Morton - needs to work harder. Push up the ground
* Griffiths and Astbury will be vital. One needs to stand up as you don't want to be going back into the draft for KP forwards. Both standing will be a bonus.
Needs:
1. Class wingers - Need another Lids. Dal Santo, Montagna type. We've got enough inside mids.
2. Backline kicker - another Newman who only has 3-4 years left.
Kids that Richmond will look at:.
* All around the 187cm tall mark who play inside/outside
* Kevin Sheehan reckons we'll finish with pick 8-10 so obviously thinks we'll finish above the Eagles and Crows.
1. Shaun ATLEY 13-Sep-92 187 82 Murray/Wodonga Bulldogs
X-factor is his step and pace. Have opponents left reaching to grab his jumper. BOG against WA at Subi for Vic C. Exceptional vision and awareness. Strong athletically.
others.....
2. Jayden PITT 07-Oct-92 187 70 Geelong/St Albans
3. Jared POLEC 12 Oct 92 188 77 Woodville West Torrens/Seaton Ramblers