HAVE THE TIGERS MADE THEIR INTENTIONS CLEAR WITH TARRANT PURSUIT?By Andrew Slevison
SEN
21 September 2021Could Richmond challenge again in 2022?
The Tigers fell to 12th on the ladder this season following three premierships in four years, but have quickly made their intentions clear for next season.
With news that Robbie Tarrant has informed North Melbourne he hopes to join the Tigers as an unrestricted free agent, it shows that perhaps the 2017, 2019 and 2020 premiers are planning to pursue more success.
Healy is confident that Damien Hardwick’s side is still right in the window to challenge for another flag.
McClure asked: “Do you think that Richmond are a genuine chance of winning the flag next year?”
Healy replied: “I do, why wouldn’t they be?
“They had a poor year, they were entitled to have a poor year, Dusty (Martin) had an average year by his own standards. He started brilliantly.
“I thought they dropped right off in various areas, they probably lost a little bit of hunger, they got some injuries, lost a bit of focus.
“Nothing will sharpen them up more than missing out on finals like this. I think there’s at least another crack left in that group.”
Richmond will get Noah Balta and Nathan Broad back in 2022 after serious ankle injuries ended their 2021 season prematurely. Ben Miller, 22, is also on the list as a key defensive option but has played just one AFL game.
Alongside Astbury, the Tigers also lost Bachar Houli to retirement and appear to be looking to replenish their experienced stocks while the likes of Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin, Jack Riewoldt and Shane Edwards remain on the list.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2021/09/21/have-tigers-made-their-intentions-clear-with-tarrant-pursuit/