Season preview: RichmondBy Jennifer Phelan
afl.com.au
Friday, March 22, 2013Best 22B: Steven Morris, Alex Rance, Brandon Ellis
HB: Bachar Houli, Troy Chaplin, Dylan Grimes
C: Chris Newman, Trent Cotchin, Shaun Grigg
HF: Daniel Jackson, Ty Vickery, Chris Knights
F: Jake King, Jack Riewoldt, Shane Edwards
Foll: Ivan Maric, Dustin Martin, Brett Deledio
I/C: Shane Tuck, Reece Conca, Ricky Petterd
Sub: Robin Nahas
Injury listNathan Foley is the only long-term concern with the midfielder still on the comeback trail from last year's achilles injury. He is slated to be available in four to six weeks but will obviously need VFL time before being considered for the seniors. David Astbury (foot) is expected to be available in one to two weeks while Dylan Grimes (hamstring) is back playing but is likely to start the season in the VFL.
The big questionsThe obvious one – is this THE year the Tigers break their finals drought and play into September for the first time since 2001?
Will the Tigers' tactic of recruiting recycled players such as Aaron Edwards, Troy Chaplin, Chris Knights, Ricky Petterd, Orren Stephenson and Sam Lonergan pay off and give them the physical depth they lacked when injuries hit last year?
Can first-year defender Nick Vlastuin live up to his pre-season hype and take the promise he showed in the NAB Cup into round one and beyond?
Summer standoutSecond-year defender Brandon Ellis has benefitted from his first full pre-season, adding muscle to his frame while maintaining his impressive endurance base to win the early time trials. Bachar Houli is another who was in fine shape across the hot months while Reece Conca stepped things up in the New Year once he got over a foot injury.
Fantasy cash cowVlastuin is the obvious one. At $147,700 and with dual position status, the young defender is hard to go past with the Tigers certain to play him early on. Petterd, who has been elevated from the rookie list, is another worth looking at with a price tag of $243,400 and a new role off half-back.
Sudden impactPetterd's arrival and shift into defence could free up Chris Newman to play further up the ground, while Stephenson's recruitment – and promotion to the senior list – will give Ivan Maric the support he needs while leaving Tyrone Vickery to possibly remain forward and get some continuity after a season ruined by a shoulder injury.
It's crunch time for…… Dustin Martin. The 21-year-old has been a topic of discussion all summer and not because of his ball-winning ability. After a brilliant 2011, the tough midfielder wasn't as dominant last year and his off-field life has been the subject of rumours and innuendo for months. It's time for Martin to translate the reportedly strong pre-season he has had into on-field performance and prove he's capable of becoming elite.
Pivotal matchThe Tigers have not beaten Carlton in round one since 2008. It's a game they've struggled in, having lost the past four by an average of over 50 points. After a pre-season that ended with tight wins over Essendon, Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs, the Tigers will be desperate to take that form into the season proper and give their fans something to really get excited about.
The Tigers will have a good year if…… Jack Riewoldt can be a consistent force, Ty Vickery and Dylan Grimes can stay fit, Troy Chaplin can add something to their young backline and give Alex Rance help against the big guys, Reece Conca can develop his inside game more (especially if Foley is missing for awhile), Martin finds a productive off-field hobby and Cotchin is the captain the Tigers – and the footballing world – expect he will be without it affecting his game.
AFL.com.au predicted ladder finish:Eighth.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-03-22/season-preview-richmond
