Dimma post-game was asked about Tiger fans not understanding why Cumberland wasn't in the side. Dimma replied that pretty much Dusty now plays that same role.
Dimma added that we're trying to add other parts to Cumberland's game so he can play in the side. It's a situation where you take one step backwards to go two steps forward. Dimma added that Cumberland is an AFL level player as are Clarke, Ryan and Sonsie.
I actually don't buy that response from Dimma. I think the resting midfielders are taking Cumberland's spot, not Dusty or Bolton. I just think its easier to say Dusty because very few Richmond supporters would suggest that Cumberland is a better player than Dusty. But comparing Cumberland's offensive output to Cotchin or Mansell is much harder to explain away.
Agree again glad to see someone else gets it. Resting mids are taking Cumberlands spot and the reality is it does not have to be that way.
Imo he is doing this so he can continue to play the Grahams Shorts Ross's and a few others who i won't name.
In what land can we not play all of the following.
Rioli - Lynch - Ryan/Martin
Sonsie/Bolton - Riewoldt - Cumberland.
Who has to miss out in that scenario? It is not Martin and Bolton they will spend most of their time thru the midfield with stints in the fwd half regardless. Nope to play with that scenario others have to miss out and we all know who they are.
As for comparing Dusty and Cumberlands offensive output ie kicking goals then Cumberland is going at over two a game.Yep small sample size but the potential is mouthwatering.
Better to have both than just one i say.
They talk about polish then if thats the case Sonsie has to be played somewhere as well but again a favorite will have to miss out.
Personally i think there is absolutely no reason why we cannot go with the following team when all are fit. * denotes midfield rotations.
*# denotes mid/fwd rotations.
Vlastuin - Tarrant - Grimes
Rioli - Balta/Miller - Broad
Pickett* - Hopper* - McIntosh?*
Nankervis* - Martin*# - Prestia*
Sonsie*# - Lynch - Cumberland
Ryan*# - Riewoldt - Rioli
Taranto*# - Bolton *# - Cotchin* - Baker* - take your pick probably a hard runner who covers the ground well
We can all see who Hardwick is trying to protect in the above.