Richmond Tigers season preview for 2013 Sam Edmund
From: Herald Sun
March 18, 2013 THE rebuilding is done, the list has depth and the finals beckon.
Sounds familiar doesn't it?
But this might just be the year - Damien Hardwick's fourth as coach - that Richmond finally start to shake the underachiever tag.
It can be difficult to judge a side that last year belted grand finallists Hawthorn and Sydney but still couldn't beat Gold Coast.
It was the off-season, however, that has many Tiger fans buzzing like an old fridge. Punt Road turned into the recycling capital of Australia over summer, plucking the likes of Sam Lonergan, Orren Stephenson and Ricky Petterd from the AFL scrap heap.
Aaron Edwards, Troy Chaplin and Chris Knights were also snapped up, bringing to six the number of experienced new faces joining the club.
While some interpreted the strategy as a sign Richmond thought it was close to a flag, the reality is Hardwick knows he had no one to call on when injuries hit in the second half of last year.
The old heads, it's hoped, can also address the panicky late-game mistakes that cost the Tigers at least three wins in 2012, one of which saw Paul Roos accuse them of ``the worst 47 seconds in footy''.
Close games out, get some luck with injury and the 11-year finals draught could finally be over.
PREDICTED FINISH: 8th-9th
FIVE PLAYERS TO WATCHTRENT COTCHINSeemingly the name on everyone's lips when it comes to Brownlow Medal fancies and a superstar of the competition. But how will the burden of captaincy effect his game? Will need off-field support as he takes on extra responsibility.
DUSTIN MARTINLet's just say it hasn't been the quietest of off-seasons for the colourful kid from Castlemaine. Not as dominant last year as he was in 2011 and was suspended by the club for two weeks for missing training. But the rugged onballer can influence games like few his age. The expectations are high _ and for good reason.
TY VICKERYThose who still doubted his importance to this side probably don't any more. After kicking 36 goals in 2011 he was sorely missed in the second half of the year when he went down with a major shoulder injury. Has had a modified pre-season, but should be there come Round 1.
NICK VLASTUINCaptained Vic Metro last year and won All-Australian honours. Is also one hard unit. Relishes the physical side of the game and just keeps cracking in, regardless of the score or situation. At 187cm and 86kg, he is ready for senior football.
AARON EDWARDSAt his third AFL home after stints and West Coast and North Melbourne. But Edwards has already shown he can be a solid foil for Jack Riewoldt and Vickery inside the Tigers' forward 50m. Has got through the pre-season unscathed and has no injury problems. Leads well, competes hard and should make a scoreboard contribution most weeks.
SUPERCOACH STARSBRETT DELEDIOHas been stripped of the valuable dual position status so a lot will overlook him. Don't be one of them. Yes, he is now midfield only, but he averaged 117 last year. There's not many guys posting those sort of numbers that you can call a "unique pick''.
IVAN MARIC'The Story' of SuperCoach in 2012. Maric was the most improved player in Champion Data's ranking points system in 2012 and averaged 113 despite being hobbled by groin problems late in the year. Had a slow start to pre-season, but that is more precaution than necessity, with the Tigers desperate to ensure he stays fit.
RICHMOND 2012 INSTANT RECALL2012 SEASON: 12th
BEST & FAIREST: 1. T. Cotchin 2. B. Deledio 3. 1. Maric
GOALS LEADER: Jack Riewoldt (65)
TOP DISPOSALS: Trent Cotchin (606)
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/afl/more-news/melbourne-season-preview-for-2013/story-e6frf9jf-1226597594624
