Herald Sun footy liftout

[one-eyed]

Daryl Timms, Trevor Grant and Clinton Grybas have tipped us to finish the 8th.

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DOES IT ALL REST ON BROWN'S LEG

Scott Gullan
Herald-Sun Footy Liftout
24th March 2006

We all know the cliches about not being a one-man team and that you need "22 contributors" but the reality is that finals hopes at Punt Rd revolve entirely around Nathan Brown's bung leg. Before his horrific injury last year Brown was at the peak of his powers and Richmond won seven of its first nine games. When his leg snapped so did the Tigers - they won just another three games for the year. While he can't be expected to return to greatness immediately, if Brown can stay sound enough to lurk around the forward line then mark down 50 goals and finals possibilities.

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Sheahan Says....

Exceeded expectations with 10 wins last year, although seven came in the first nine rounds. When Brown went down, his team went with him. Still building for the future, but coach Wallace will have the Tigers competitive for every assignment. They should be happy to match their 2005 return.

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Grant Payne
Herald-Sun Footy Liftout
24th March 2006

FOR BETTER

Lasted a whole season without a rumour of coach being sacked. Long time, wasn't it? Be careful, Plough.

FOR WORSE

Nathan Brown is the Tiger barometer. If he plays 22 games, they could make the eight. Seriously.

ONE TO WATCH

DANNY MEYER

Had a taste of senior footy with six games last year. With another summer to build up his skinny frame he should show more of his silky skills and repay the Tigers for the draft pick they got in return for Brad Ottens.

[one-eyed]

WHAT ABOUT PATRICK BOWDEN?

The jury is very much out on whether Joel's younger brother is a legitimate player. Had spurts of brilliance at the Bulldogs where he looked like he could be anything, but the next minute looked like he wasn't trying. Has all the skill and goal awareness of a smart forward but needs to work on his endurance and defensive side ofhis game. Wallace originally recruited the 24-year-old and may throw him to the backline to spark him into life.


[Ed. I've put the other Tigers from the lifout in separate threads to discuss].

[one-eyed]

How your team will go in 2006
26 March 2006   
Sunday Herald Sun
Compiled by Rod Nicholson

A new season, and new prospects. We look at how your team will fare in season 2006.

RICHMOND

Round 1
Western Bulldogs, Telstra Dome
7.40pm, Friday, March 31. Betting: $2.15

Prediction
Improvement will come from mid-range players Chris Newman, Jay Schulz, Richard Tambling, Andrew Raines and Adam Pattison, while Mark Coughlan has had his best preparation since his 2003 best-and-fairest year.

Likely new faces
Patrick Bowden (Western Bulldogs)

Injuries
Mark Chaffey (osteitis pubis, test)

From the coach Terry Wallace
"A real bonus of the NAB competition has been to see some of our third and fourth year players start progressing through the ranks. Our skill level and conversion rate still need to improve, while settling the team down is important."

Premiership betting $41

[one-eyed]

Club form guides
28 March 2006   Herald Sun
David Hastie

The Commonwealth Games are over and so is an AFL pre-season of hard yards and hard decisions. DAVID HASTIE looks at your team's form.

RICHMOND

"We have got some pretty tough games (early). If we can play well early, that might put us in good stead when we have those home games later in the season." - Terry Wallace

PROS: Despite Wallace's attempts to dampen expectations, star Nathan Brown is fit and has looked impressive during his short pre-season. Mark Coughlan has a full pre-season behind him, a far cry from this time last year.

CONS: A cruel draw pits the Tigers against the Bulldogs and St Kilda in the first two rounds before successive trips to Perth and Brisbane. If they survive that they'll be in good shape.

PRE-SEASON FORM
L Hawthorn 10
W Bulldogs 78
W Sydney 40
L Essendon 51

FIRST FOUR ROUNDS
Bulldogs (n) TD
St Kilda (n) TD
West Coast (n) S
Brisbane Lions (n)

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,18622079%255E19742,00.html