AFL Season 2017 Finals Preview: Richmond (RealSport101)

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AFL Season 2017 Finals Preview: Richmond

by Jarrod Febbraio
RealSport101.com
Sep 04, 2017

Season overview

Win/Loss: 15-7
Ladder position: 3rd
Percentage: 118.29%
Biggest win: 104 point win over Fremantle in round 22
Biggest defeat: 76 point loss to Adelaide in round 6

Richmond were expected to once again be on the decline in 2017; with some experts predicting a bottom four finish. What Damien Hardwick and his side delivered throughout the home and away season was simply remarkable. Their quick paced game style and their highly touted ‘midget forward line’ was able to test many teams, and has put them in a position absolutely nobody expected them to be in. The Tigers started off the season with a 5-0 start, with their best win in this period being on ANZAC Eve against Melbourne. This win may have proved their credentials quite early on, when they came from 20 points down at three quarter time to steal a game where they probably didn’t deserve to win. You know what they say; good teams can always find a way to win.

They then faced their toughest test – Adelaide in Adelaide, a game where Richmond’s 5-0 start was put to bed as they were smashed in every aspect of the match, going down by 76 points. Their 5-0 start progressed to 5-4, with close losses against the Dogs, Fremantle and GWS, all by less than a kick. The stereotype for the Tigers was that they will always lose the close ones, and that they didn’t have what it takes to be a force in September. The heat was certainly on the boys from Punt Rd. Four wins out of the next five gave the Tigers some belief, especially after they backed up another close loss to Sydney with a win against Carlton and a win over Port Adelaide on their home track. An embarrassing loss against St Kilda just a week later was rectified with the Tigers’ strong form, as they finished off the season winning six out of their last seven. These six wins with an average winning margin of 42 points have given the Tigers all the confidence in the world come Friday night, their biggest game in recent history.

Strengths

The game plan

Richmond’s quick attacking game plan this season has worked wonders, with every single player playing their role and becoming part of what may be something special. Most teams have struggled to work out Richmond, hence their great win/loss record. The Tigers have proven that they can match it with the best teams and can certainly trouble anyone on their day. Richmond have progressed in recent years from a team that would not be confident enough in their skill level to take the game on, to a team that continuously moves the ball quickly and effectively through the middle of the ground to give their forward line a chance.

Their best 22

Richmond have rode their luck this season in terms of injuries, however the 22 players that will enter the MCG on Friday night are capable of bringing a flag to Punt Rd. Their side isn’t the best on paper by any means, but each and every player has taken their game to a new level this season, where they all know their role and know their limitations. They have played like a quality team all season. I could go through most players, but second tier players like Shaun Grigg and Brandon Ellis are having career-best years. Defenders Dylan Grimes and David Astbury have taken their game to an entire new level. The small forward trio of Jason Castagna, Dan Butler and Daniel Rioli have by far exceeded expectations. How about Jacob Townsend? He may be the x-factor Richmond possess come September. Partner all these players with Dustin Martin and Alex Rance, how far can this team really go?

Belief

For the first time in some years, there is belief at Tigerland. It will be an intimidating sight coming up against 90,000 fans at the MCG, with 75,000 of these being Tiger fans! There seems to be a real feeling this year that the Tigers can do things that simply were not expected of them at the start of the season. Especially after seeing what the Bulldogs did this time last year, why can’t Richmond go all the way? They have shown that they are capable of beating the best, however it is whether they can let go of their finals hoodoo and string together a few good September performances. Imagine the scenes if the Tigers can beat the Cats on Friday night. It would be remarkable!

Weaknesses

Recent finals performances

Richmond have played in finals three times in the past four seasons, and are yet to win one. This is a fact and it will definitely play into the mind of all those involved down at Tigerland. An embarrassing loss to Port Adelaide and two narrow losses to Carlton and North Melbourne have given Richmond a stereotype that they cannot win a final. They must overcome this, but with games against Geelong and likely meeting with Sydney if Richmond do lose, it looks like a tough run ahead for the Tigers. Each team they face will know that they may already have the mental edge over the Tigers, with most other teams in the eight having more finals experience over them.

Their ability to get first hands on the footy

While Toby Nankervis has been an absolute revelation this season as he quickly becomes one of Richmond’s cult heroes, he has found that he is beaten most weeks by his opposing number. Around the ground; ‘Nank’ appears to be one of the best in the competition. However as a tap ruckman, he seems to struggle. He was beaten by Zac Smith the last time they met the Cats, and struggled against the combination of Callum Sinclair and Sam Naismith when they played the Swans. For Richmond fans’ sake, lets not talk about how he fared against Sam Jacobs in round 6. Nankervis has been brilliant for Richmond and has replaced Ivan Maric for sure, but the Tigers will need to grab first hands on the ball at all costs come September. If Nankervis is constantly losing the ruck battle, this may be costly.

Key Players

Dustin Martin has resigned with the Tigers for another seven years, and this is just the news all Tiger fans wanted to hear before their first final. With already one hand on the Brownlow, Martin will look to show the whole competition that he can work his magic on the big stage. Will it be Alex Rance who shuts down a key defender to win the Tigers a game, as he relishes his fourth straight All-Australian appearance as well as being named as captain. Maybe Trent Cotchin feels that he has a point to prove after leading his team through three losing finals games, as he will look to step out of Dusty’s shadow for a game to lead his team to victory. Or even Jack Riewoldt, who hasn’t kicked as many goals this season as he normally does. He may be the man to kick a huge bag in September for the first time in his career. Could it be the most unlikely of players such as Jacob Townsend or even unsung hero Shaun Grigg that give this finals series a good go. Each finals series brings out the best in one or two players, that go onto be champions. Who will it be for Richmond?

Prediction

Richmond will face adversity this finals series, as a loss to Geelong will mean facing some experts’ premiership favourites; Sydney. They will be under the microscope of the entire football world as they try and win their first final in 16 years, but boy do they deserve to have some success after their great season in 2017. I think they will lose first week to Geelong, but beat Sydney in their semi-final. They will face a tough trip to Adelaide in a preliminary final and just fall short, ultimately proving to be a successful season for the Tigers. But who isn’t daring to dream? A Tigers fan myself, I deep down believe we can go all the way. If the Bulldogs defied the odds last season, why can’t Richmond?

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