Midseason review: Rate our season so far?

[Andyy]

Thought it would be impossible to be as bad as last year.

What im saying is im not sure of what improvement we have had obviously some, but i worry it seems to be mostly on the back of older players who will also need replacing in the not too distant future.

Any games the youngsters get should hold them in good stead for next year thats when we will see how they are really tracking.

We won't see significant on field improvement for a while.

Playing the kids and seeing their talent is succeeding this year.

And next year.

[one-eyed]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiPpnYeOFXM

[Diocletian]

Looks like they're in the dock as the co-accused. Most fitting.

[mat073]

I feel the main reason why we have exceeded expectations this year is because the senior core have played out of their skin . Individually they have played the odd poor game but as a collective we couldn’t have asked for more .
Compared to last year we have had a golden run with injuries and availability.

The kids have all shown glimpses and it looks like we have nailed the draft - but they will require a number of pre seasons before they become solid and reliable AFL players.

We could have won 5-6 games but that wouldn’t be a true reflection of where we are at , we are currently a bottom 3 team.

There’s competition for spots , hopefully that will lead to more wins this year . Plus the injection of more  elite youth is exciting.


I don’t think our improvement will be linear. We could lose more games next year , I
guess it depends on list management decisions at the end of the season.

[one-eyed]

Tiger leaders maintain strong belief

Richmond’s leaders reflect on the first half of the campaign.

By Henry Milic
RFC website
13 June 2025

Tiger leaders, Toby Nankervis, Tim Taranto and Nathan Broad, have reflected on the season so far, giving their thoughts on how the side has performed across the first 13 rounds.

Nankervis said the belief within the group hasn't wavered, despite the side suffering some heartbreaking losses after letting some winnable positions slip.

“I think it has been a really positive start for us,” Nankervis said.

“Clearly, it would have been nice to get some more wins, but I think our system is really stacking up against every team we play, and I have great confidence that we can compete with anyone.

“I think that will be a great platform for the back half of the year.”

Broad highlighted the importance of developing the next generation of Tigers as they rise through the ranks.

“We have seen a lot of growth from our young kids and a lot of development, which has been awesome,” Broad said.

“We are in the industry of winning games, and we could’ve won a couple more, but we have seen some growth from the kids, and we are really excited for the second half of the year.”

Nankervis added that the next crop of Tigers have already become key contributors for the side.

“The guys have come in with so much energy,” Nankervis said.

“To think some of the guys are just 18 years old and they are playing like a 100 game player is a real testament to how hard they have been training and the work they have been putting in during the week."

Taranto feels the team can compete with anyone, but insists they need to keep building upon their systems to deliver a more consistent performance.

“There is that belief that we can win any game that we go into,” Taranto said.

“The main thing is just to keep that system building and teaching the young boys how to play consistently for four quarters.

“You just really review the standards, the culture and the trademarks that we believe in every week really honestly, and if you do that consistently over time, wins will come.”

The leadership group had high praise for coach Adem Yze and the rest of the coaching staff, who are dedicated to guiding Richmond through its current journey.

“Yze has been amazing, and he really has got strong relationships with everyone,” Taranto said.

“He has a really good connection with the young boys and older boys, so that is his strength, and he will continue to grow that.

“Having the likes of Blake Caracella come in and have fresh ideas, as well as Truck (Ben Rutten), he has been amazing in taking control of the mindset side of things with the group, which has been a real growth of the program.

“It is just great to see that everyone, no matter who you are, is looking to improve, coaches, players, older players, and we are always giving each other honest feedback.”

https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1803556/tiger-leaders-maintain-strong-belief