Will Richmond’s midfield continue their premiership form?by Lachlan Mitchell
realsport101.com
Feb 21, 2018The midfield corridor was the pivotal part in Damien Hardwick’s grand plan that led to the Richmond Tigers winning the 2017 premiership. Hardwick’s coaching combined with the talent that was recruited during the offseason helped Richmond overcome a 37-year premiership drought.
A new gameplan implemented by ex-Carlton player Blake Caracella saw Dustin Martin reach a level that was almost superhuman throughout the season. Martin’s run and his pace and spread through the middle was the catalyst that saw him win the 2017 Brownlow medal. Trent Cotchin was inspiring and was well supported by his engine room troops. The question is, can the Tigers’ midfield do this again, and what’s in store for their key midfielders?
1. Ever since Trent Cotchin was made captain of the Richmond Football Club way back in 2012, he has faced many critics calling for him to give up the leadership position. The 2017 season saw him break out and lead from the front.
While his kicking for a goal still needs a bit of improvement, his leadership vision and hardball gets have been awe-inspiring for the team. For the supporters, it has been great to see such growth in his game and for him to embrace the demands that come with captaincy.
Although his 2017 was his best in terms of clearances and possessions, I still believe he can grow more and be a much better player. Cotchin’s inability to lose a hard tag is his only weakness at the moment and strategies would need to be implemented over the offseason to avoid the Richmond captain being taken out of the game.
2. Seeing Brandon Ellis emerge since being drafted in 2011 has been an absolute joy to watch for Richmond supporters. Ellis' run and efficiency is one of the best in the league.
Having him use that outside run and move wider on the wings to free up the centre corridor has worked a treat for Richmond. 2018 really looks like it could be Ellis' biggest year. After being in the system for six years and only now hitting his groove, he is quickly cementing his spot in that Richmond midfield.
3. Dustin Martin's 2017 season was one of the best years we have witnessed on an individual level, and the most clinical performance one man could put on. Martin's talent, run and carry and sheer grit left even rival supporters in awe.
His performances saw him win the Brownlow medal, the Norm Smith medal, and Richmond's best and fairest. The 2018 season for Martin looks to be an equal if not greater year for the now 26-year-old. He not only was a dominant force in the midfield but he moved forward and kicked goals to provide momentum. Richmond will hope he can repeat this in 2018.
4. 2017 saw Shaun Grigg move into the midfield after being a defender for most of his career. Grigg isn’t far from his most well-known position being that linkup player that gets the ball flowing from end to end.
The 2018 season might see Grigg moving up the field more regularly and linking through to use that run and carry and trademark handball technique to feed the likes of Martin and Cotchin.
Grigg's ability to draw defenders and link the ball became a real asset towards the latter half of the season. Expect a big year from him especially after welcoming his first child in the offseason.
5. Jack Graham was virtually a nobody at the start of the year and soon become a cult hero after playing only five games including a grand final. The 2018 season has a lot in store for him, and he has as a lot of attributes that compare with Martin including a big frame and pace.
Although Graham has only played five games, he has slotted into the side well and has a real urgency to attack the ball with strong tackles. He also has the ability sneak forward and convert in front of goal. If he can do this consistently, expect him to feature in more than just five games in 2018.
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