TIGERS FATE RELIES ON MARTIN AND LYNCHBy Michael Manley
The Sporting Base
February 9, 2024There’s no more confusing team in trying to assess where they will finish than the Tigers.
If everything clicked under their new coach Adem Yze they could be premiership contenders. If the great era can’t be regenerated, then it’s likely to be a slow burn as they exit out premiership champions and try and find their replacements.
Dustin Martin finished last season in great form and he looks even fitter. If he can combine with Shai Bolton and Tom Lynch is fit that will provide a lot of headaches to opposition teams.
Last season in terms of accuracy Richmond was the worst kicking team in the competition with Martin and Bolton the leading offenders.
They also intend to play Noah Balta down forward and he is also an unreliable conveyance kicking for goal.
Tim Taranto won the best and fairest last year, and he leads their on ball contingent. His GWS teammate Jacob Hopper has finally had a pre-season which he should benefit from.
Their backline wasn’t the problem last year. They have picked up a great one on one defender in Tylar Young who complements Nick Vlaustin, Dylan Grimes, Daniel Rioli and Jayden Short.
Josh Gibcus will also return and Tom Brown, Sam Banks and James Trezise look promising young players.
If the likes of Grimes, Dion Presia and Jack Graham can have better seasons that will also be a big help.
FOR:Any team which has Tim Taranto, Martin, Lynch and Bolton with a support crew of Dan Rioli, Jacob Hopper, Nick Vlaustin and Liam Baker has a lot going for it
AGAINST:
It’s still a mix of premiership players with unproven youngsters which doesn’t necessarily work.
Odds: $51
IS IT VALUE:Yes. They showed their ability winning six out of seven games when Andrew McQualter replaced Hardwick mid-year. Tom Lynch back is huge.
https://thesportingbase.com/afl-tigers-fate-relies-on-martin-and-lynch/
