Richmond:The Yearly Wrap: Part 4
October 23rd, 20112011 Biggest Superstars and Improvers:Trent Cotchin had a true breakout season in 2011, however it wouldn’t have been too surprising to many. It has been a steady rise for him over his first four seasons, getting noticeably better as the years role on. He has also put to rest the worries about his ability to stay on the park, as he missed many games over his first two seasons due to ongoing injury issues. It was a massively consistent season for him, averaging 24.2 disposals a game, whilst only dropping below 20 touches on five occasions. He also had his best game against Geelong, with 38 disposals and subsequently the highest DT score of his career – 129.
Brett Deledio was a solid citizen for many DT and SC coaches in 2011, with his consistency off half-back being a real highlight. In a year that saw us unable to trust many of out defenders, Deledio managed to hold the fort with an average of 92 DT and 105 SC, whilst only scoring below 80 points five times in DT and twice in SC. He provided very good run for the Tigers off half-back, whilst also using the ball well. He also had a greater impact on games – something which had for a while been dubbed as his biggest flaw. Should hopefully continue to improve as his Tigers begin their march up the ladder.
Alex Rance was one who really impressed me in 2011 – whilst he wasn’t in their best every week, he was typically a solid contributor in the backline, often playing on the opposition’s key forward. He won’t ever be one to consider for DT, but in SC he could be a real smokey moving forward. He is very good at one-percenters, and has no issue at shirking a contest (which for a while looked like it could derail his career). This ability to win contested ball and also beat his opponent will make him a very good SC option in years to come – even in 2011 he averaged 85 points a game, which included five games over 100 points. Interestingly too, when he broke 100 points, he generally beat it by quite a bit, averaging 118 points from his five games over the ton.
2011 Biggest Disappointments:Daniel Connors – after a great year in 2010 where he averaged 92 DT and 86 SC, Connors just couldn’t get into the side in 2011. He played just three games for zero effect and spent the rest of the year in the VFL or injured. With the season done and dusted, there was even talk in trade week that he was open to finding a new club – and Richmond were happy to shop him around. As it seems, no one was interested, to he will still be in the yellow and black in 2012. He could still be a good pick-up if he can get on the park, but the worry is that his position has been taken by Houli, meaning he will need to re-invent himself elsewhere. Would have to be a risky pick, but conversely could be a very cheap one.
Mitch Morton was another Tiger to disappoint after a promising 2010. He had fallen out of favour under Terry Wallace and then appeared re-invented as winger under Hardwick, but then couldn’t reprise that role in 2011. He averaged 99 DT and 105 SC whilst playing as a wingman in 2010, so there is certainly potential, as well as fantasy interest, so it was a shame to see him back in the forward line this year. He has now been traded to the Swans, so it will be interesting to see where he is played by them next year.
Jack Riewoldt just couldn’t get into the season, booting 59 goals this year after his Coleman-winning 78 goals in 2010. He had injury issues mid-way through the year that really slowed him down, and whilst he played through it he just didn’t seem to be his normal high-leaping self. He perhaps tried too hard at times, attempting to do the showy play too often, rather than the team thing. He is still so young, so will bounce back – a pre-season will help too as he didn’t get on this year. Will be good to see if Vickery can continue to develop alongside him next year, allowing him a little less attention than he is used to.
2012 Prospects:Trent Cotchin, as I have already mentioned, has shown good improvement between his first four years, so it would be expected that he will take another step in 2012. He has so far shown a great ball-winning ability, as well as a capability to break a tag – two very important factors when choosing an up-and-coming DT/SC jet. He will be a midfielder capable of dominating both DT and SC too, meaning he should be on your radar no matter which game you play. He should come cheapish for what he could offer, so have a good look at him for your third or fourth midfield position.
Jack Riewoldt – thanks to his below average season this year, he will come into 2012 significantly undervalued. He proved this year that he needs a full pre-season to perform at his best, so keep an eye on how he goes through January and February – if he is participating in most sessions, pencil him in as a good starting option for your forward line. He knows where the goals are and seems capable of a minimum 60-70 points (not too bad from a key forward), but with the dearth of other good forward options in 2012, he could be one player considered by many.
Dustin Martin is another young Tiger to show he is more than capable in the big-league, averaging 89 DT and 98 SC this year in what was only his second season. The first half of his season was terrific, including a five-game purple patch where he averaged 28.4 disposals, 3 tackles, 2 goals, 113 DT and 119 SC points. So he has proven he is more than capable of being a future DT/SC star. For just a player in his third year, Martin will be pretty expensive next year, so you will need to be confident he can add another 10 – 15 points to his weekly average – at his price you are not buying a cash-cow, you are buying a keeper. So do your research in the pre-season, as he could be one player missed by a lot of other coaches – if you like what you see, lock him in, because he could be destined for a massive season in 2012. Not even Dustin Martin can argue with that.
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