AFL Barometer: Summer edition --- RICHMOND preseason update (Herald-Sun)

[one-eyed]

AFL Barometer: Summer edition

    From: News Limited Network
    January 16, 2013 4:48PM


RICHMOND TIGERS

2012 Season Standings
position 12th
win 10 loss 11 draw 1

They’ve been let down so regularly in the past 30 years that Tiger fans are almost scared to say the “f” word. But we’ll say it – Richmond should play finals in 2013. They’ve improved each year under Damien Hardwick, have a superstar in the making in Trent Cotchin and added experience and depth with the likes of Troy Chaplin, Chris Knights and Sam Lonergan.


Track Watch

WHILE other clubs spruiked the benefits of training at altitude in North America, the Tigers reckon they can get just as much out of working in the heat and humidity of north Queensland.

Richmond players and coaches spent 10 days in Cairns in November with a diverse schedule that ranged from smashing tyres with sledgehammers to learning how to hold their breath underwater from big-wave surfer Mark Visser.

In a role reversal, a professor from the university of Oregon was on hand to maximise the benefits of heat training.

Players ended the camp with a multi-day "Amazing Race" challenge that included activities such as canoeing, archery, mountain biking and hiking through the tropical jungle to climb Mt Sorrow at Cape Tribulation.

The Tigers returned to full training yesterday on the new Punt Rd oval surface and have enjoyed a positive pre-season so far.

The only sour note was another hamstring injury to the luckless Dylan Grimes, who had a tendon repaired in November.

But Grimes returned to running before Christmas - tweeting "Surgeon says "EXTREMELY unlikely to re-injure the hamstring"... Couldn't be happier!! First of many running sessions today" - and is aiming for Round 1.

Brandon Ellis has been the standout on the track and could push for more midfield time in his second season.

Mat Arnot and Dustin Martin - under the guidance of new assistant coach Mark Williams - have also impressed, while new captain Trent Cotchin has had his first uninterrupted pre-season for a while.

Several of the Tigers' mature-age recruits, including Ricky Petterd (Achilles), Troy Chaplin (knee) and Sam Lonergan (ankle) are on modified programs.

Medical Room

Jake King
Foot, thumb, knee, groin, foot again: Had an amazing five post-season surgeries but is ahead of schedule in his rehab.

Dylan Grimes
Hamstring: Grimes and hamstring in the same sentence is bad news but the Tigers hope the latest setback won't stop the young defender playing in Round 1.

Nathan Foley
Achilles: Progressing well in rehab from the surgery that ended his season in July. Tigers showed their faith by signing Foley to a three-year contract in August.

Ivan Maric
Groin: The popular ruckman is having his workload managed to avoid the groin problems that hampered him last year.

Jack Riewoldt
Hip: Had another clean-up after the season. Should rejoin the main group soon.


Summer Diary

November
Ten-day North Queensland training camp included “Amazing Race” challenge that ended on Port Douglas beach.

February 6-7
Community camp in Alice Springs.

Friday February 8
Richmond v Indigenous All-Stars, Alice Springs.

Sunday February 24
Richmond Family Day, Burnley Oval, Swan St Richmond 10.30am-2pm.

Friday February 22
NAB Cup first round: Richmond v Melbourne v North Melbourne, Etihad Stadium, 6.45pm.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/afl/teams/richmond

[mightytiges]

Grimesy and Axel are still really unknowns at this stage.  I hope we take the cautious approach even if it means we don't see them in the seniors until round 6 or whatever.

[dwaino]

Grimesy and Axel are still really unknowns at this stage.  I hope we take the cautious approach even if it means we don't see them in the seniors until round 6 or whatever.

From what I've read (what has been posted on here) Grimes seems to be tracking a little ahead of expectation. By what's the deal with Chaplin? If they're not ready, they're not ready, but I hope of Chaplin or Grimes will be around for round 1.

But classy blokes ready around round 5'ish like Foley would be handy when we've got a bit of depth to cover bases. The teams that plan on going deep into September tend to ease into the first part of the season so they don't peak and wear out too easily. Having some top shelf coming in around that time will give the side a bit of a freshen up.

[Eat_em_Alive]

Good call Dwaino
Teams like Geelong and Collingwood were able to ease into the season last year without all their stars and still win those early games inc against us. Bottom 6 really need to step up this season