Secret to Richmond's success revealed
23 April 2005
Herald Sun
Gerard Healy
NOT since many moons ago, when I would burn the midnight oil trying to grapple with the challenges of trigonometry, have I been so interested in the qualities of a triangle.
But last Sunday I stumbled on "Terry's Triangle" and, not only was it relatively easy to decipher, but it provided some answers to the Tigers' long-standing troubles.
Just as "Pagan's Paddock" was a cornerstone of the Kangaroos' dynasty of the 1990s, Terry's Triangle has emerged as the foundation on which the coach will build the new Richmond.
Where some saw Matthew Richardson as a problem, Terry Wallace saw him as part of the solution, one that involved three tall, powerful marking players operating in the same forward line.
The strategy appears to be based on a basic basketball formation that moves three big men around the basketball key or, in football terms, the forward 50.
Richardson is the one constant. He can start either deep, near the goals, or at the true centre half-forward position. The other components are two of Troy Simmonds, Greg Stafford and Trent Knobel, with Simmonds generally playing "high" (around the 50m line) and Stafford always deep.
Wallace would have designated players to bring the ball in to make the Triangle work most effectively, namely Nathan Brown, Wayne Campbell, Joel Bowden and Greg Tivendale.
All are not only excellent kicks, but also have the ability to recognise a dummy lead that provides space for the genuine article.
Finding the right option in the Triangle is as much about ignoring the first lead as it is about honouring the right one.
When Wallace took over as Tigers coach he set about building a foundation for the highest honour that had eluded him at the Western Bulldogs: a premiership.
With an eye to the future he secured Simmonds on a long-term deal that not only adequately replaced Brad Ottens, but added more mobility and, by extension, flexibility in that Simmonds can play half-forward.
Stafford's ability has never been questioned, but we may be on the verge of seeing his absolute best.
His skill level is of the highest order for a ruckman and he is more capable than most of his peers when he goes forward, making him an ideal foil for Richo.
The decision to keep him at the club has, to date, been inspired.
Snaring Knobel from St Kilda was interesting. He's more of a bulldozer than the other two ruck options and has not been helped by the restrictive ruck circle. But in the four games to date he has continued to improve and is pushing forward to take an occasional role in Terry's Triangle, and doing so with success.
Like most strategies, Terry's Triangle is not based on a secret formula, but a combination of lateral thinking and hard work.
The forwards have supplied the hard work and it was inspiring to see all constituents of Terry's Triangle present a leading target, and then either move into space in a triangular pattern, or create space following the Z line.
In last Sunday's victory against Fremantle, it was evident the understanding between the big men was developing during the game, with the highlight being a sizzling 45m pass from Simmonds to Richo, who goaled; a classic example of the Z pattern application of the Triangle.
It didn't always work according to plan; at times there were two (and even three) Richmond players flying for the same mark.
It was arguably the first genuine pack contest for five years, and the delight on Wayne Carey's face was palpable.
Sadly for Dockers supporters it was a stark reminder of what's missing in their line-up. Matthew Pavlich is more a running forward, in the mould of James Hird, and is better suited to full-forward or centre half-back if he is to play in a key position.
Simmonds' move to Punt Rd has hurt the Dockers because he has the body to provide the structure around which Pavlich could have operated. Pavlich was terrific in the first three rounds, but, like Richo, will get increasingly frustrated if he leads without reward from his wayward midfield.
It's always difficult to measure a player's worth until he's gone and, generally, the players who provide the structure to a team are missed the most. Simmonds is one of these players.
He is now an intricate part of Terry's Triangle, a mechanism that not only robbed Freo of four premiership points, but could pinch the finals spot most had written in for the Dockers.
Gerard Healy can be heard on 3AW, Monday to Thursday, from 6pm.
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,15052647%255E19771,00.html
