The three big questions for your clubNathan Schmook
afl.com.au
23 July 2014RICHMONDWhat does the future hold for Richmond's mature-age recruits?Rookie Anthony Miles has been a shining light since earning promotion, and Matt Thomas has won the ball consistently when selected. The Tigers haven't had a great look at their other seasoned recruits, however, with 24-year-olds Nathan Gordon (five games), Sam Lloyd (six games) and Todd Banfield (no games) on the fringes. Lock in Miles for elevation in 2015, but otherwise there hasn't been much payoff from the decision to recruit mature-age players at the end of last year.
Will Reece Conca take the next step? The midfielder's first four seasons have been interrupted with injury at unfortunate times, but the Tigers need him to stamp himself as a consistent onballer. Recruited with pick No.6 in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft, Conca is yet to average more than 20 possessions across a season. The Tigers have class in Dustin Martin and Brett Deledio, and Brandon Ellis is starting to rack up big numbers. It is clear, however, that Trent Cotchin needs a sidekick in the midfield capable of winning the hard ball and turning the tide in matches. Conca could be that player.
What is the future in the ruck? Richmond recruited 26-year-old Shaun Hampson at the end of last season, sending pick No.28 to Carlton, but he has only managed 11 games, including just three alongside Ivan Maric. The ruck has been a weakness for the Tigers, particularly in big games, and the Maric-Hampson duo was expected to rectify that. So far it hasn't, and Maric will be 29 at the start of next season. With Tom Derickx moving to the Sydney Swans as a delisted free agent last year, the ruck is an aspect of Richmond's list that will need attention.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-07-23/three-big-questions
