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Rohan Connolly
March 6, 2011
Over the next three weeks, Sunday Age football analyst Rohan Connolly takes a look at all the clubs, their strengths, weaknesses and what's in store.
RICHMOND
LAST YEAR: 15th
THIS YEAR: 13th
WHAT'S BETTER:
The stocks of raw talent continue to mount, supplemented this year by the addition of some readymades in former Bomber Bachar Houli and former Blue Shaun Grigg, both experienced and clean users of the ball. Nathan Foley's return from long-term injury helps, too. Coach Damien Hardwick managed to instil a tougher streak in his charges last year. He's also big on good kicking, so expect the Tigers to have worked ferociously on their skills these past few months. Richmond is beginning to settle on a preferred (and more skilled) structure down back, and some previously barely rated players, like Jake King and Shane Edwards, have taken big steps.
WHAT'S WORSE:
Perhaps nothing more than the burden of expectation. The gains of 2010 were considerable, and the famously demanding Tiger army will want signs of a lot more. Coleman medallist Jack Riewoldt is in for a tougher year with opponents having done a lot more homework, and is pretty much the sum total of the Tigers' scoring power (he kicked 78 goals last year, next best was 15).
WHO'LL HOG THE HEADLINES:
Jack Riewoldt. His emergence in 2010 was one of the best football stories of the year, and whatever happens to him in 2011, it's likely to be eye-catching. As discussed, for the Tiges, scoring has been Riewoldt or nothing, a real potential headache given the full extent of the spearhead's capabilities have been on display for a full year. Richmond needs to find enough key position support for him, whether in the shape of a Jayden Post or even veteran rookie-list player Brad Miller. Indications are Riewoldt may play a little further from goal. Wherever he resides, his exploits will be the subject of much attention.
Rohan Connolly's 2011 ladder prediction ...... so far!
10. Melbourne
11. Essendon
12.
13. Richmond
14.
15. West Coast
16. Brisbane
17. Gold Coast
