Richmond Tigers 2013 SuperCoach preview Al Paton
From: Herald Sun
March 12, 2013 WHICH Richmond players should you pick in your SuperCoach team this year and who should you avoid?
Richmond is the new Sydney.
OK, that sounds a bit crazy. But hear me out.
The Tigers might be a few years away from challenging for a flag but they have made moves in the right direction by adopting the Swans' recruiting philosophy - with similar success.
Recycled players looking for a fresh start - and SuperCoach players looking for a bargain - could always look to the Swans and the likes of Josh Kennedy, Shane Mumford, Marty Mattner and Rhyce Shaw.
In recent seasons Richmond has rejuvenated the careers of Bachar Houli, Shaun Grigg and Ivan Maric, who went from being a back-up ruckman at Adelaide to the Tigers' No.1 big man - pushing up his SuperCoach average from 69 to 113 points a game and jumping in price by almost $200,000.
The Tigers recruiting department know they're on a good thing, and this year they've got plenty of potential SuperCoach bargains for us.
Names to keep an eye on include Maric's mate Chris Knights, former Bomber Sam Lonergan, ex-Demon Ricky Petterd, ex-Roo Aaron Edwards and former Port Adelaide defender Troy Chaplin.
The other name causing plenty of SuperCoach discussion at Tigerland is Dustin Martin.
This time last year picking him was a no-brainer, but a disappointing 2012 season has led to a mass exodus from the Dusty bandwagon.
But the 21-year-old has plenty of time - and talent - on his side. He's still dual-position eligible and at a more attractive price than this time 12 months ago. If new development coach Mark Williams can keep him focused on footy, he could be worth a punt. He'll certainly be a much more unique pick in 2013.
BYE: Round 11 (with Brisbane, Hawthorn, Fremantle, Port Adelaide, Western Bulldogs)
SUPERCOACH STARTrent Cotchin (midfield) $622,100
Graduated to elite midfielder status in 2012 and is now one of the 10 most expensive players in the game.
If he continues his development curve - averaging 79, 101 and 116 in the past three seasons - he will justify every cent.
Cotchin ticks all the boxes - he wins contested ball, can go forward and kick goals and is just about untaggable.
BANK EMBrett Deledio (midfield) $624,100
Deledio has been one of the most popular picks in SuperCoach for years, but his loss of dual position status - he can be picked only as a midfielder in 2013 - is likely to change that.
It could be a big mistake.
The 25-year-old dominated after being moved into the midfield last season, leading the comp for inside-50s and averaging 117 SuperCoach points a game.
And there is arguably no safer choice when it comes to durability and consistency.
Deledio scored under 100 points just three times last season, and less than 90 just once.
Even more remarkably, he hasn't missed a game in five years and has sat out just three since he was drafted in 2004.
Ivan Maric (ruck) $606,900
One of the bargains of 2012, the mulletted cult hero starts this season as the second-most expensive ruckman in the game (behind Nic Naitanui).
He played 21 matches, averaged 16 disposals, 31 hitouts and 1.4 contested marks a game. He was also happy to get his hands dirty, picking up extra points for clearances and tackles.
He got a bit tired towards the end of the season and don't be surprised if he is rested at some stage.
BUY EMChris Knights (forward) $248,300
Knights said Maric helped convince him to follow his path from Adelaide fringe-dweller to Punt Rd.
The raking left-footer fits a hole in the Tigers' line-up for a goalkicking medium-sized half-forward and should get a lot more opportunities at his new club.
Unlikely to be a huge scorer but should make you a tidy profit.
Nick Vlastuin (defender/midfield) $159,500
If you need a player to compare Richmond's top draft pick (No.9 overall) to, look no further than teammate Brandon Ellis.
A tough-as-nails midfielder in the Damien Hardwick mould, Vlastuin has the frame to play straight away and is set to learn the ropes playing across half-back.
Has shone during the NAB Cup and looks set to take his place in Round 1. Buyer beware: Vlastuin is a prime candidate for the subs vest.
BURY EMChris Newman (defender) $412,000
A reliable option for years, Newman's average slipped under 90 for the first time in five years in 2012, finishing at 77.
At 30, he's unlikely to turn that around as younger players take more responsibility in the back half.
Orren Stephenson (ruck) $320,400
This time last year we told everyone who would listen to pick the Big O. We won't make that mistake again.
The big guy is a great story but eight matches for an average of 60 SuperCoach points isn't exactly what we were hoping for.
He has a second chance at Richmond but is likely to only be called on to give Ivan Maric a breather. If Ivan goes down with a strained mullet, he could be worth a second look.
SUPERCOACH DRAFT WATCHLISTShane Tuck (midfield)
Criminally underrated, Tuck played all but one game last year and averaged 114 points a game - that's better than Sam Mitchell, Matthew Boyd and Scott Thompson.
Shaun Grigg (midfield)
Exactly the type of second-tier midfielder you'll need to think about once the big guns are all taken (which won't take long). Averaged 97 points a game last season and doesn't get tagged.
Troy Chaplin (defender)
Racks up intercepts and has averaged in the 80s in the past three seasons. Could score higher at a new club.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/afl/supercoach-news/richmond-tigers-2013-supercoach-preview/story-fn88c7kz-1226560901413
