RICHMOND PREVIEW 2014
Herald-Sun
March 8, 2014
RISE OF THE MIDDLE CLASS
By David King
Damien Hardwick is currently credited with the title of the "master rebuilder", having come up with a concoction of mature-aged recruits, midfielders who were first-round draft picks and the creation of an environment in which to create a sustainable opportunity for success.
Over the past three seasons Richmond's points against rating has climbed from 15th in 2011, 10th in 2012, up to third in 2013 and it appears the defensive foundation has been set.
An obvious way to stifle the defensive bleeding is simply win more clearances or contested possessions and get the game played in your forward half. Richmond did that last year and also controlled the speed of the game. Composure through uncontested marks allowed the midfield and defensive talent time to reset and remain organised.
Rance and Chaplin have proven their ability to intercept opposition forward entries, but the games at the pointy end will require overcoming a Travis Cloke type.
The Tiger midfield is the most productive clearance team in the competition, ranked No.1 and averaging 16 points more a game than their direct opponents.
They are led by Cotchin and Jackson, supported by Deledio, Foley, Shane Edwards and Martin. The Tigers have been waiting for this period of midfield riches and the next wave - Ellis, Conca and Vlastuin - are already pressing their claims.
The next step to becoming a premiership contender requires them to start spilling to the flanks, forward and back. Don't be surprised if Martin plays a more creative counterattacking role off the back of stoppages or potentially across a half-back flank. He would provide genuine penetration from half-back that they lack.
And if they are to be successful this season they'll need Cotchin pushing for All-Australian honours and having more impact on the scoreboard than his six goals last year.
Expect a much leaner Riewoldt to play further from goal and the physically maturing Vickery to assume more goalkicking responsibility.
Maric's pre-season has been building, but he may have a late start. How will they cope without him? Astbury appears to be the form player through trial games and may lock in centre half-back as Grimes' body fails him again.
The Tigers are talented enough, have suitable depth and a draw rated the second easiest. There are no excuses in 2014 - this is Richmond's best opportunity for a top-four finish since Bartlett led the charge ... as a player that is!
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DERM SAYS
By Dermott Brereton
The Tigers beat the premiers in 2012 and 2013, so they are very capable but must keeping on improving. Key players Cotchin, Deledio, Riewoldt and Martin are now in the right age/experience bracket. Plus they have the experience of being emotionally hurt in a final. Hampson's arrival was needed to complement Maric, the heartbeat of the starting midfield aggression. Foley and Conca must also deliver. Richmond should be able to match last year's 15 wins, but it's all about playing more than one final.
Prediction: 6th
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THE TACKLE
By Mark Robinson
WHAT I LIKE...
Handy draw, still improving, Cotchin and a backline/midfield group that was only behind Fremantle and Sydney in scores against in 2013. Quick ball movement is a huge positive. Ellis and Vlastuin should have greater impact, and Maric now has two back-ups in Vickery and Hampson.
WHAT I DON'T LIKE..
Cracked under finals pressure, which told us they needed another level of resistance and resilience. They have good players, but can they be premiership players this year? Forward group is a minor concern, namely the small-forward position, and whether Vickery or Hampson can stand up consistently.
WHAT I EXPECT...
Internally, they're looking at top six. I have them a fraction below that level, but better than Collingwood and Carlton.
Prediction: 7th
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STATS AMAZING
By Champion Data
STOPPAGE KINGS
Cotchin, Martin, Deledio and co were excellent around the stoppages in 2013. The Tigers took over at ground level during the home-and-away season, winning a clearance from 41.4 per cent of stoppages - the best percentage recorded by any finalist. Offensively and defensively they were good at the stoppages, ranking in the top four in scoring and conceding scores. They outscored the opposition by 16 points a game on average from clearances across the H&A rounds - ranked No.1.
Richmond Stoppages 2O13
Clearance win 41.4% No.5
Clearance to score 29.2% No.3
Opposition clearance score 22.5% No.4
Score from clearance differential +356pts No.1
DID YOU KNOW
Richmond has nine primary listed players between 100-149 games - ranked equal No.1 in the competition.
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FINAL LADDER PREDICTION
Brereton Robinson
1. Sydney 1. Fremantle
2. Fremantle 2. Sydney
3. Coll'wood 3. Hawthorn
4. Geelong 4. North Melb.
5. Hawthorn 5. Geelong
6. Richmond 6. Essendon
7. North Melb. 7. Richmond
8. Essendon 8. Coll'wood
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9. Carlton 9. Carlton
10. Port Adel. 10. Port Adel.
11. Brisbane 11. Adelaide
12. Adelaide 12. W.Bulldogs
13. Gold Coast 13. West Coast
14. W.Bulldogs 14. Gold Coast
15. West Coast 15. Brisbane
16. Melbourne 16. St Kilda
17. St Kilda 17. Melbourne
18. GWS Giants 18. GWS Giants
