#10YearChallenge: Richmond has come far since 2009 (afl site)

[one-eyed]

#10YearChallenge: Where was your club at in 2009?

Sarah Black
AFL.com.au
Jan 23, 2019

RICHMOND

Finish: 15th
Coach: Terry Wallace (rounds 1-11), Jade Rawlings (rounds 12-22)
Captain: Chris Newman
Best and Fairest: Brett Deledio
Leading goalkicker: Mitch Morton (41 goals)
Most Brownlow votes: Matthew Richardson (6 votes)
All Australians: Nil

What's changed: In short, everything.

The 2009 season was arguably Richmond's lowest ebb in at least 20 years. After winning just two games in the first 11 rounds, coach Terry Wallace resigned.

Jade Rawlings oversaw only three more wins, including Jordan McMahon's goal after the siren against Melbourne which ensured Richmond finished above the Dees, snaring future Brownlow medallist Dustin Martin with pick No.3 in the NAB AFL Draft.

2009 was Chris Newman's first year as captain, while club legend Matthew Richardson retired after persistent hamstring injuries.

Brendon Gale and Damien Hardwick came on board as CEO and coach in 2010, and the ambitious five-year plan to be clear of debt with 75,000 members and make finals three times was launched.

A redevelopment of Punt Road Oval was completed in 2011.

Along with significant investment in the recruiting and football departments, the playing list was overhauled (during the expansion era) and Richmond slowly crept up the ladder, making (and losing) three consecutive elimination finals from 2013 to 2015.

An aberration on-field in 2016 set the scene for 2017's triumphant flag and 2018 minor premiership.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-01-23/10yearchallenge-where-was-your-club-at-in-2009

[lamington]

The McMahon goal will forever be immortalised as one of the greatest after the siren kicks in Richmond's history

[cub]

The McMahon goal will forever be immortalised as one of the greatest after the siren kicks in Richmond's history

That was the replacement game was sitting in the ponsford that day.
Melbourne supporters were happy they losy wheras some richmond supporters were peeed off, I always want to win and what a win it turned out to be.

[mat073]

Terrible year.  We were shockingly bad. In hindsight the recruitment of Cousins was detrimental. No wonder so many clubs passed on him.
Hoping Tambling would come good.
Hoping Cogs could come back .
Richo banged up and finished
Basically it was as doomy as Claw thinks it is today.

[lamington]

If I recall correctly didn't Cotchin, Martin and Deledio attribute improvements in their game to the leadership and mentorship from Cousins?

[mightytiges]

If I recall correctly didn't Cotchin, Martin and Deledio attribute improvements in their game to the leadership and mentorship from Cousins?

Yep you're right, lamington.

Cotch back in late 2010:

Richmond young gun Trent Cotchin says he will take intimate football lessons learnt from Ben Cousins with him for life and hopes to one day pass them on to young Tigers of the future.

https://thewest.com.au/sport/afl/cousins-has-given-me-a-blueprint-for-life-cotchin-ng-ya-201802