The Wash-up: RichmondBy Nathan Schmook
afl.com.au
Friday, September 13, 2013VIDEO: Good year, but prove it's no fluke Tigers - Darcy and Barrett review Richmond's 2013
http://www.afl.com.au/video?guid=584603SummaryIt was always going to be a wild ride for the Tigers in 2013 as expectations went up a notch. Making the finals after 12 years in the wilderness was a non-negotiable and an incredibly even contribution across the list ensured they got there, winning 15 games. The painful lesson learned, however, was that getting there and progressing are different things, with the season ending in a heartbreaking loss to Carlton in the first elimination final. Once the pain subsides, the Tigers' season will be seen as another step in the right direction, with expectations for 2014 set to grow again.
What workedThe recruitment of Troy Chaplin. The former Port Adelaide defender added valuable experience to the Richmond back six, helping those around him find a new level. Alex Rance was the best example, shining as one of the game's best key defenders and enjoying the freedom to run off and rebound from the backline. Steve Morris had claims as the best lockdown small defender in the league, and Bachar Houli was important across half-back. Chaplin was the cornerstone, and Richmond was able to secure him as a restricted free agent.
What failedTempo footy. The Tigers' inability to control the pace of a game was evident on a number of occasions, most notably in their elimination final loss to the Blues. After building a five-goal lead, the Tigers went into their shells and found themselves unable to halt a rampaging opposition. For the third time in 2013 they started brightly against the Blues and then watched nervously as their opponents whittled away the lead. Whenever a Tiger held the ball aloft to signal a plan to control the footy, Richmond fans got nervous.
Surprise packetDaniel Jackson's attacking side. Relieved to a degree of his run-with duties, the experienced Tiger was a revelation in 2013 and a contender for the club's best and fairest award. Jackson still had the ability to lockdown on opponents, as he showed against Gary Ablett in round 16. However, he still had 24 possessions and two goals in that match, averaging 22 possessions for the season. He ranked equal first at the club for inside 50s, alongside Brett Deledio.
DisappointmentInjuries to Reece Conca and Dylan Grimes. Two of the club's brightest young stars, Conca and Grimes played in Richmond's final, but their seasons were nonetheless interrupted. Conca started the season in terrific form, but missed six games (including losses against Fremantle, Geelong and Essendon) with a foot injury. He rebuilt his form upon return, but suffered a serious hamstring injury in the opening minutes of the elimination final. Grimes did not play between rounds seven and 20 because of a stress fracture in his foot.
MVP:Trent Cotchin. The captain was equal runner-up in the 2012 Brownlow Medal, and expectations rose accordingly with the star midfielder marked harshly early in the season. He regrouped, however, and enjoyed a purple patch as the Tigers secured their place in September. He led the team for disposals, contested possessions and clearances and was arguably the Tigers' best performer in the elimination final, finishing with 26 possessions and two goals. Steven Morris, Alex Rance and Dan Jackson were other top performers.
Best rookie/first year player: Nick Vlastuin
Best win: against Hawthorn, round 19
Low point: The loss to Essendon in round nine was comfortably the Tigers' worst performance of the season.
What needs to improveThe forward line. The Tigers never seemed settled through the year in attack and it all came unstuck on the finals stage. The use of Jack Riewoldt was a case in point. The spearhead was unselfish through the year, but he is the team's most dangerous forward and didn't find himself isolated deep in the forward line enough. The lack of a dangerous, crumbing small forward was also an issue. Robin Nahas found himself out of favour and there was no clear replacement, with Jake King regarded highly more for his defensive play.
Who's done: Shane Tuck
What they needThe most pressing concern for the Tigers is adding to its young midfield, which battled against more experienced opponents on the finals stage. The club has been linked to Greater Western Sydney midfielder Taylor Adams, who would give the Tigers an immediate injection of pace and hardness. The club also needs to find a ruckman to support and eventually take over from Ivan Maric. Brisbane Lions big man Billy Longer shapes as a possible target.
Luke Darcy says: "They've got a massive membership base and got all the pillars in place but it was just a disappointing end. The challenge for them is the gap between their best and their worst and trying to lower that."
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-09-13/the-washup-richmond
