What we learned about every AFL club in match simulation analysisBen Cotton, Max Laughton, Ben Waterworth and David Zita
Fox Sports
February 27th, 2023RICHMONDThis is still a flawed side, as we saw last year when despite all of their underlying numbers looking so impressive, the Tigers lost to North Melbourne and then failed to even win one final.
But their match simulation win at Arden Street also showed the potential new strengths of this Richmond group - and for once, it’s in the midfield.
Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper were targeted additions to bolster a group that has often relied too much on Trent Cotchin, or the injury-prone Dion Prestia, and Taranto in particular showed great signs in his first televised hitout in yellow and black.
“I think Taranto has been a really great addition to this outfit and the class and different looks that he’s providing has been really exciting for the Tigers,” Fox Footy commentator Ellie Blackburn said.
“We’ve said it numerous times and we’ll probably keep saying it throughout the rest of this game but he has been outstanding and what he’s been able to provide is great excitement for the Tigers around the midfield.”
The flow-on effect of having that additional midfield muscle is allowing Dustin Martin to play even more forward time, where he often looks unstoppable - which was the case again in the third period against North.
It’s hard not to dream of what this Tigers group can be at its best. And, if the midfield really is up to scratch, that’ll help protect the sometimes-flawed defence too.
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