Every AFL club’s midfield rankedHarris Maglis
zerohanger.com
March 10, 2022 (11) RichmondRichmond is a dangerous team that has skewed perceptions in the wake of an injury-riddled season.
Yet, their midfield isn't great... The Tigers are a side that is largely anchored by their stellar defensive structure and dynamic forward line.
They were ranked 18th in total clearances per game, 17th in hit-outs and 13th in tackles, injuries or not the yellow and black didn't have the same intensity around the footy as in previous seasons.
This is concerning because effort isn't a type of skill that lacks without talented players, it's all about how hard you work when you're on the field which anyone should be able to display at the AFL level. If the Tigers are going to push for one last tilt at a flag they have some soul searching to do prior to the 2022 season.
Dustin Martin isn't even a full-time contributor to their engine room given Damien Hardwick's propensity to play the three-time Norm Smith Medalist as a centre-forward who pinch hits on the ball when Richmond needs a spark.
That's a ridiculously large hole to plug and one that the Tigers quite frankly can't. Outside of the ageing Trent Cotchin, Richmond does field some nice pieces in Jack Graham, Dion Prestia, Kamdyn McIntosh, Shane Edwards and Toby Nankervis.
This lot is good at getting the footy and typically uses it well but it does lack some star power in comparison to the league's top-tier midfield groups.
7 - 12 ranked midfields:7. West Coast
8. Essendon
9. Carlton
10. Fremantle
11. Richmond
12. Sydney
https://www.zerohanger.com/every-afl-clubs-midfield-ranked-part-ii-98315/2/
