First it was Robbo
Now for Caro's take
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Richmond has leading questions after Jack Riewoldt loses roleDate February 12, 2014 5
Caroline Wilson
Chief Football Writer for The Age
Those football fans who witnessed first-hand Richmond's devastating capitulation in the club's first finals appearance in 12 years, and there were plenty at the MCG that day, would have plenty of theories about what went so horribly wrong for the Tigers - again - against Carlton - again.
Standing out among the lack of finals experience, class, composure and unforeseen injuries was the fact that Richmond's on-field leadership remains a work in progress. For whatever reason, the club's more senior players by and large could not stem the bleeding.
Further cracks then emerged despite what was a successful year at Tigerland. The troubled Dustin Martin followed up from his handcuff salute by walking out on the club for a brief period - which proved more embarrassing for the talented Martin than the club - which, in turn, demonstrated a new maturity in standing up to the best-and-fairest runner-up.
Jake King, who turns 30 next month, was seen again in public with high-profile bikie Toby Mitchell, having previously invited Mitchell into the Richmond rooms in August in an uncomfortable incident during which no off-field leader felt confident enough to intervene.
King feels a loyalty and gratitude to Mitchell for guidance that began when King was a teenager, but it is a pity that a man of his experience continued to seek to socialise in public with Mitchell after conversations with Brendon Gale and Daniel Richardson and - notably - after taking part in a club-sanctioned journey involving leadership to Brazil with consulting psychologist Pippa Grange.
There was even a leadership stoush at board level that finished with the stunning result that the Tigers, of all clubs, installed the AFL's first woman president, Peggy O'Neal. The outgoing Gary March had ultimately championed O'Neal, but departed a little disenchanted. Industry observers were surprised when it emerged that March had spoken to St Kilda about the chief executive's position - a suggestion March has played down.
The term ''leadership group'' carries inflated expectations and implications at several AFL clubs, but when a big-name star such as Jack Riewoldt is dropped from the group, then questions follow. Particularly in Riewoldt's case when his coach Damien Hardwick's commentary in 2013 was punctuated by praise for Riewoldt's growing maturity, lack of selfishness, growing team awareness and so forth.
Clearly Hardwick was reinforcing in Riewoldt's mind and everyone else's that there was more to life than kicking goals. The dominant Riewoldt could not make an impact during his final half of football for 2013 - neither could Martin nor King although they had plenty of yellow-and-black company.
The club emphatically denied on Tuesday that Riewoldt's removal - and that of Dylan Grimes - from the leadership group carried any more sinister implications than the fact players and coaches voted for five ahead of them and that they wanted to reduce numbers.
The forthright and hard-working Troy Chaplin was deemed more suitable for the role. So, to be positive, it is a credit to recruiter Blair Hartley that two of the club's five playing leaders have joined the club in the past two seasons - Ivan Maric is the other. To be negative, it is a little disappointing that a player of Riewoldt's charisma and talent is out.
Wayne Campbell, who facilitated the group, has replaced Jeff Gieschen at the AFL and the club has not yet decided what form the role will take, although it appears unlikely a consultant like Leading Teams will be recruited, nor has Grange's role been finalised.
The view of the club is Trent Cotchin is captain, Brett Deledio his deputy and that Daniel Jackson, Chaplin and Maric make up a large enough leadership group to represent the interests of a team.
So much was made of Richmond's exciting journey to September - albeit brief - and the brilliant off-field performance rained membership, sponsorship and ultimately an eliminated debt.
On-field the weight of expectation will prove even greater. The size and make-up of the Tigers' leadership group is of no consequence and the manner in which every player at Richmond deals with that expectation - and their own responsibility as AFL players - will truly define 2014
Read more:
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/richmond-has-leading-questions-after-jack-riewoldt-loses-role-20140211-32g33.html#ixzz2t3rIdawv
