Richmond 2019 season preview (ESPN)

[one-eyed]

Jude Bolton takes a look at the chances of the Richmond Tigers for the 2019 AFL season.

VIDEO: http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/26232444

Club-by-club season preview

Jake Michaels
ESPN
19 March 2019

Richmond

What's changed since 2018?
The addition of Tom Lynch at Richmond has been one of the most discussed topics this off-season. The former Gold Coast key forward will partner Jack Riewoldt in 2019 and could make the already formidable Tigers side even stronger. Outside of Lynch, the Tigers have lost a little depth with Reece Conca, Sam Lloyd, Anthony Miles and Corey Ellis all finding new homes over the summer.

JLT results
Richmond 113 beat Melbourne 101
Richmond 95 beat Hawthorn 87

First month
The Tigers will start favourite in just about every game they play in 2019 but the Pies in Round 2 could be one they don't. Carlton proved to be a tricky Round 1 opponent last year and it could be the same again in 2019 with the Blues enjoying a positive pre-season. GWS and Port Adelaide on the road will also be difficult propositions.

Round 1: Carlton, MCG, Thursday March 21
Round 2: Collingwood, MCG, Thursday March 28
Round 3: GWS, Spotless Stadium, Saturday April 6
Round 4: Port Adelaide, Adelaide Oval, Saturday April 13

Prediction: The Tigers to win three of their first four, but the loss will come against the Giants.

ESPN traffic light rating (green = rising, red = falling, amber = treading water)
Green.
It's scary to think that the team that comfortably won the minor premiership could rise but their failure in finals means they have room to improve. 2019 is a redemption year for the Tigers and anything short of a premiership will be a wasted season. Expect them to play in the Grand Final.

http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/26232444/afl-club-club-season-preview-port-adelaide-western-bulldogs