The mid-year report: RichmondNathan Schmook
afl.com.au
25 June 2015What’s worked Slowing down and using the ball in a more considered way has worked wonders for the Tigers this season. Previously out of their depth when playing tempo footy, it's been the thing that has got their season back on track, controlling the ball and playing with patience. This style has been aided by three tall forwards, including Jack Riewoldt further up the ground. Giving Shaun Grigg an expanded ball-winning role has helped the midfield depth.
What hasn’t Playing a ballistic style early in the season that was typified by playing on and kicking to dangerous areas with high risk and reward. As a result the Tigers leaked goals from turnovers, most notably against North Melbourne in round six. It looked good when it worked late last year, but it rarely did this year. The jury is still out on Steve Morris' move to the forward line, sacrificing his effectiveness as a small defender.
Story of the season There has been a weekly focus on key defender Alex Rance after it emerged the All Australian was considering walking away from the game at the end of his current contract to pursue other interests. The story started with Fremantle looming as a new home for the potential free agent, but walking away from the game became a real option in April. He re-signed this week, prompting a mass sigh of relief at Punt Road Oval.
Best win The Tigers travelled to Perth in round 10 and beat the ladder leading Fremantle by 27 points in a staggering upset. It was their fourth straight win, getting their season back on track after a 2-4 start.
Best individual performance Trent Cotchin's leadership was questioned early this season, but he silenced his doubters with a great fourth quarter in round five that got his team over the line against Collingwood by five points. He was at every contest willing the ball forward.
Brownlow leader Dustin Martin (27.6 possessions a game) has been building well this season, highlighted by his certain vote-getting performance against West Coast on Friday night.
The revelation Third-year Tiger Kamdyn McIntosh made a superb debut in round one against Carlton (23 possessions and nine marks) and has played every game since.
The Missing Vice-captain Brett Deledio has missed four games, Richmond losing three of those. The star Tiger's value was obvious from the moment he returned to top form against Collingwood, prompting his team's recovery. Midfielder Reece Conca has struggled to get back from a hamstring injury, with speedster Nathan Foley sidelined indefinitely with a knee injury. The Tigers would love to have a fit Chris Knights up and running, but another hamstring injury has restricted him.
Worst performance In round six the Tigers travelled to Tasmania to face North Melbourne already under pressure. They conceded 92 points from turnovers and lost by 35 points, heaping pressure on coach Damien Hardwick and prompting public backings of the coach by CEO Brendon Gale.
Mark of the year: Ben Griffiths, R4 v Melbourne
Goal of the year: Dustin Martin, R12 v West Coast
Three games that shape the seasonR19, Adelaide, Adelaide Oval
R21, Collingwood, MCG
R23, North Melbourne, Etihad Stadium
Fantasy Pig: Brandon Ellis (107)
STATS LEADERSDisposals Brandon Ellis (305)
Marks Jack Riewoldt (75)
Contested Marks Jack Riewoldt (18)
Goals Jack Riewoldt (28)
Inside 50s Dustin Martin (48)
Clearances Trent Cotchin (62)
Contested possessions Trent Cotchin (143)
Score: 5.5/10http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-06-25/the-midyear-report-hawthorn-to-western-bulldogs
