Season preview: Richmond (afl site)

[one-eyed]

Season preview: Richmond
Nathan Schmook 
afl.com.au
March 9, 2014

VIDEO: Footy Forecast: RICHMOND Trent Cotchin predicts the fortunes of the Tigers in 2014
http://www.afl.com.au/video?guid=620586


2013 LADDER FINISH: 7th

ARRIVALS: Todd Banfield, Nathan Gordon, Shaun Hampson, Ben Lennon, Sam Lloyd, Anthony Miles, Matt Thomas

DEPARTURES: Tom Derickx, Sam Lonergan, Luke McGuane, Robin Nahas, Shane Tuck, Steven Verrier, Matt White

BEST 22
B: Steve Morris, Troy Chaplin, Dylan Grimes
HB: Nick Vlastuin, Alex Rance, Bachar Houli
C: Shaun Grigg, Trent Cotchin, Brandon Ellis
HF: Dan Jackson, Jack Riewoldt, Brett Deledio
F: Shaun Hampson, Ty Vickery, Shane Edwards
FOLL: Ivan Maric, Reece Conca, Dustin Martin
INT: Chris Newman, Chris Knights, Nathan Foley
SUB: Anthony Miles

MEDICAL ROOM
Jake Batchelor, corked calf, test
Matt Dea, ankle, 1 week
Daniel Jackson, hamstring, 1-2 weeks
Ben Lennon, knee, 2-3 weeks
Ivan Maric, ankle, 6-7 weeks

PASS MARK FOR 2014: The Tigers need to start performing in big games against top four opponents. They fell short against Fremantle, Geelong, the Sydney Swans and Collingwood last season, underwhelming in blockbuster games. Rise on those occasions and September wins should follow. 

NEEDS A BIG YEAR: After exploring other opportunities during the exchange period, Dustin Martin has been welcomed back at Tigerland with open arms. Now he needs to repay the club with a strong season, potentially in a new role across half-back.   

FIRST FIVE GAMES: Gold Coast (MS), Carlton (MCG), Western Bulldogs (ES), Collingwood (MCG), Brisbane Lions (G)

PLAY TWICE: Brisbane Lions, Greater Western Sydney, Essendon, Sydney Swans, St Kilda

TOUGHEST RUN: The round 11 Dreamtime at the 'G clash against Essendon kicks off a testing month for the Tigers, who then face North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium the following week. In the following fortnight, Fremantle and the Swans travel to the MCG.

DREAM SCENARIO: The Tigers overcome Carlton in round two and, on the back of breakout forward Ty Vickery and their midfield stars, match the competition's best teams all year to finish in the top four.

WORST NIGHTMARE: Injuries hit and the team's lack of depth is exposed, with the club's mature-aged recruits not performing to AFL standard when called on. The Tigers battle to finish in the top eight. 

PRESSURE RATING ON THE COACH: Damien Hardwick 8/10. After four seasons of steady progress under the Essendon and Port Adelaide premiership defender, Richmond is expected to step up in 2014. Contracted until the end of 2016, Hardwick has been lauded for his leadership through the rebuild, but he will now be marked on how the Tigers prepare themselves for a premiership tilt.



http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-03-09/season-preview-richmond