Rating the depth of every AFL club’s defence ...... (Herald-Sun)

[one-eyed]

SuperFooty rates the depth of every AFL club’s defence

Gilbert Gardiner and Adam Baldwin
Herald-Sun
February 11, 2015 2:01PM


In the latest instalment of SuperFooty’s 2015 depth chart series, we’ve assessed every AFL club’s defence by breaking down the eight players likely to spend the most time in that part of the ground, into three brackets.

The top shelf — Tier 1 players — would get games in the best 22 of most sides, while the support crew — Tier 2 — is made up of depth/specialist players.

A third — the nursery — group is reserved for those in a development phase who are good enough to warrant senior selection.

RICHMOND

Top shelf

Alex Rance

Bachar Houli

Support crew

Troy Chaplin

Steve Morris

Chris Newman

Jake Batchelor

David Astbury

Dylan Grimes

Verdict:
Rance is a clear standout in a defence well stocked with tall prospects. Chaplin has slotted in nicely over the past two seasons, Batchelor showed promise in the second half of the year, but Astbury and Grimes have been held back with injury. Houli is a quality running defender (2nd at Tigers for score launches) and Morris is a trusted lock down. Nick Vlastuin is likely to graduate into the midfield this season. In keeping with the wider squad, the Tigers defence has the tools, but needs to fire consistently.

http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/superfooty-rates-the-depth-of-every-afl-clubs-defence/story-fnelctok-1227215828294