Richmond Pre-Season Preview:http://www.facebook.com/AFLSeasonInfo
Monday, 21 January 2013RICHMOND BEST 22:B: 1. Chris Newman, 18. Alex Rance , 14. Bachar Houli
HB: 38. Steven Morris, 25. Troy Chaplin, 2. Dylan Grimes
C: 3. Brett Deledio, 21. Shane Tuck, 41. Nathan Foley
HF: 15. Chris Knights, 29. Tyrone Vickery, 10. Shane Edwards
F: 27. Aaron Edwards, 8. Jack Riewoldt, 26. Robin Nahas
R: 20. Ivan Maric, 9. Trent Cotchin, 4. Dustin Martin
I/C: 6. Shaun Grigg, 5. Brandon Ellis, 30. Reece Conca
SUB: 31. Nick Vlastuin
EMG: 23. Daniel Jackson, 32. Brad Helbig, 11. Jake Batchelor
7. Matt Dea
12. David Astbury
16. Luke McGuane
24. Ben Griffiths
28. Jake King
33. Kamdyn McIntosh
34. Liam McBean
35. Matthew White
36. Matthew McDonough
39. Tom Derickx
43. Todd Elton
44. Matthew Arnot
45. Brett O'Hanlon
Rookies:
13. Ricky Pettard
22. Sam Lonergan
37. Orren Stephenson
40. Cadeyn Williams
48. Ben Darrou
49. Steven Verrier
50. Gideon Simon
LIST CHANGES 2012:Incoming: Troy Chaplin (Free Agency, Port Adelaide), Chris Knights (Free Agency, Adelaide), Gideon Simon (International Rookie), Aaron Edwards (Traded, North Melbourne), Nick Vlastuin, Kamdyn McIntosh, Liam McBean, Matthew McDonough, Ricky Pettard (Melbourne), Sam Lonergan (Essendon), Orren Stephenson (Geelong), Cadeyn Williams
Outgoing: Brad Miller (retired), Kelvin Moore (retired), Andrew Browne (delisted), Daniel Connors (delisted), Piva Wright (delisted), Jeromey Webberley (delisted), Dean Macdonald (delisted), Addam Maric (delisted), Gibson Turner (delisted), Angus Graham (Traded, Adelaide), Jayden Post (delisted), John Heslin (delisted)
Picks: 9 (Nick Vlastuin), 31 (Kamdyn McIntosh), 33 (Liam McBean), 42 (Matthew McDonough), 87 (Passed), 100 (Passed)
Pre-Season: N/A
Rookie: 7. (Ricky Pettard, Melbourne), 22. (Sam Lonergan, Essendon), 36. (Orren Stephenson, Geelong), 44. (Cadeyn Williams)
EXPECTATIONS:Richmond is ready. They now have a list capable of making finals for the first time in 12 years. Plenty of depth in every position and a midfield that is borderline, best in the competition. Their 2012 year was of mixed emotions when they knocked off both Grand Finalists, quite comfortably but were knocked off by the Gold Coast, taken to the edge by the GWS Giants and drew with the Power in the last game of the season. Richmond’s aim should be well and truly aiming on making the top 8 and potentially, even a home final. Richmond’s biggest problem in the last few years has been the ability to knock over the big teams but when they are expected to win, they either put in an uninspiring performance or get beaten, therefore losing points in the race to the finals. Another full pre-season in Trent Cotchin will be frightening for the rest of the competition and the addition of Dustin Martin, under the guidance of new assistant Mark Williams is definitely something to watch also. A fit Nathan Foley, Tyrone Vickery back to assist Jack Riewoldt, Aaron Edwards, Chris Knights and Troy Chaplin to come in and top everything off, this has to be the year for the Tigers.
WHERE RICHMOND CAN BEAT OTHER SIDES:Richmond can beat the opposition best I feel when they get it in the hands of their running players. Brett Deledio and Nathan Foley mainly. Both with terrific skills and can run and carry the ball a great distance. Giving Jack Riewoldt plenty of space in the forward line is also a key factor. A clogged up forward line doesn’t allow the two time Coleman medallist a run and jump at the ball, which is where he himself, is at his best.
WEAKNESSES:For a number of years, the ball coming out of defence has been a real problem if pressure is applied. High intensity pressure on players coming out of defence has the Richmond players turning the ball over and it’s been happening for some time. If the defence can become more composed coming out of defence and be able to hit a target, while under extreme pressure, then you’ll find that the Tigers will be much more effective.
NEW RECRUITS:Chris Knights – Coming across from the Adelaide Crows, Chris Knights has had his fair share of injuries in the last few years. Knights did kick more than 40 goals in one year as a Crow so the ability and talent is certainly there if he can keep his body fit. A long raking left foot, an eye for goal and an engine good enough to rotate through the midfield, Knights will certainly become a quick favourite at Tigerland.
Troy Chaplin – Definitely what Richmond needed. Another solid defender to assist Alex Rance in defence. For too long, Rance has been holding the fort by himself and now coming across from Port Adelaide, Chaplin can play a big part in the Richmond defence. He has the ability to take a big key forward which in the past, Richmond have had trouble containing.
Aaron Edwards – Already in trouble in his time at Richmond, Edwards will be looking to bounce back with a swift response when he gets the chance. Now at his third club, Edwards is a medium sized forward who is more than capable of kicking a big bag of goals. When he puts his mind to it, Edwards can be a lethal player and really have an impact on the outcome of a match.
Nick Vlastuin – Real big talent is Nick Vlastuin. Similar player to his coach of Damien Hardwick back in the day, Vlastuin screams leadership. He captained the Vic Metro side to a championship and is a dual All-Australian at under 18 level. Strong at the stoppages and can rotate through the half back line and midfield.
Kamdyn McIntosh – Classy defender with a lean body, McIntosh was recruited from the Peel Thunder in the WAFL. He can play on both talls and smalls in defence and has terrific work rate and pace. McIntosh can also play a lock down role on a player and he has the ability to find the ball himself, averaging 17.5 disposals a game for the Thunder.
Liam McBean – The 202cm beanpole ruckman will need time to develop at Coburg before he makes a senior appearance at the Tigers. Can also play in defence which is quite unusual but a good thing to have. For over 2 metres tall, he is quite agile and has great football smarts.
Matthew McDonough – Surprised that he slipped this low, McDonough was the goal kicking machine at the championships. He averaged 3.4 goals and 18.4 disposals, earning All-Australian honours. Very rarely misses a shot at goal, McDonough is a strong mark on the lead and could make an early impact at Tigerland.
Ricky Pettard – Coming across from the Demons, Pettard holds a lot of talent. He has never been the same since he suffered a punctured lung while playing for the Demons. Quick and skilful, Pettard can play a role through the midfield and also knows how to kick a goal or two. Doesn’t mind flying for the ball also.
Sam Lonergan – Many Essendon supporters were disappointed that Lonergan was departing the club because of his determination and ruthless attack on the ball. Slow but everything you want in a midfielder as he will put his head over the ball and will always be on the bottom of the pack.
Orren Stephenson – After only spending one year at Geelong, Stephenson was moved on after the recruitment of Hamish McIntosh. Stephenson is a mature aged recruit that wouldn’t have many years left in him but is more than capable of still matching it or at least competing with the best in the business. Will spend time mentoring Liam McBean at Coburg.
Cadeyn Williams – An injury to his shoulder cut his year well short with the Murray Bushrangers after an impressive start. Another strong midfielder, he has great endurance and great sideways movement. Williams is well aware of what is around him and his hands are a feature of his game.
FINAL SAY:It has to be now Richmond, it has to be now. Nothing less than finals appearance in 2013 is acceptable. The Tigers now have the depth and strength around the ground to be playing in finals. Anything less than a finals appearance and heads will roll, and unfortunately, as well as Damien Hardwick is liked, he is now going into his fourth year and it’s time for some results. Dustin Martin is another player that needs to start playing some more consistent football. People rate him very highly and when he plays well, he deserves that rating, but far too often, we haven’t seen the best of Dustin Martin which is a shame. The leadership has changed hands at Tigerland with young elite midfielder Trent Cotchin taking the reigns and it will be interesting to see how he plays as a captain and with the responsibility. It could also be a positive for Chris Newman and the Tigers with him not having the captaincy responsibilities on his shoulders and he may feel more free to play his football. The great thing about doing the Richmond “Best 22” was that I really struggled to fit everyone in, which is a real positive and proof that depth is really starting to come about at the Tigers. Richmond must start off as well as they possibly can as previous seasons have shown that a slow start and losses against teams they shouldn’t lose against, have cost them finals appearances in the past. A final is a must for the Tigers.
Prediction: 7th – 11thPotential Break-Out Players: Nick Vlastuin, Brandon Ellis, David Astbury, Jake Batchelor
B&F Prediction: Brett Deledio
Smokey: Shane Tuck
3 Key Players to Success:• Ivan Maric
• Trent Cotchin
• Jack Riewoldt
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