Richo ready to share load
By Sam Edmund
March 20, 2008
MATTHEW Richardson knows Richmond's fate this year will hinge on the output of the Tigers' new multi-pronged forward line.
And the 33-year-old believes the men set to surround him inside the 50m arc have the firepower to lift the club off the bottom of the AFL ladder.
Richardson, who has won the goalkicking title at Tigerland for seven consecutive years and 12 times overall, said it was time to share the load.
"To be a good side now you need four or five guys kicking at least 20 to 30 goals each and probably one or two around the 40 to 50 mark," he said.
Matchwinner Nathan Brown, Kayne Pettifer and speedy midfielder-turned-forward Brett Deledio will all join the veteran in the forward line this season.
The attack is looming as the Tigers' main trump card, particularly at the MCG against an inexperienced Carlton defence.
The Blues' backline leaked at least 100 points in all but one game (Round 1) last year.
"On paper it looks like we have the scoring potential but a lot has to happen for that to occur," Richardson said.
"But we've got Pettifer who's kicked 30 goals three years in a row, Browny's a proven goalkicker, Brett definitely has the ability to kick goals and then there's myself.
"We need all four of us kicking more than 30 goals."
A multi-pronged attack has emerged as a common theme in recent premiership sides. Geelong had six 30-plus goalkickers in its all-conquering premiership year, led by Cameron Mooney with 67.
West Coast was equally versatile in 2006, with Quinten Lynch's 65 goals backed up by Andrew Embley (31) Adam Hunter (29), Chris Judd (29) and Brent Staker (24).
Sydney had five players kick more than 20 in 2005, led by Barry Hall's 80 majors.
Richardson said the Tigers would show a variety of forward line structures.
"(In) most forward lines around the league . . . you don't just go one-out in the goal square, that's a thing of the past," he said.
"Browny will go up on the ball at times and I'm sure Brett will as well. It changes week to week. If you think you can expose someone in the goalsquare, it just depends."
Richmond assistant coach Brian Royal said big men Jay Schulz and Graham Polak could also venture forward to exploit the Blues.
"We realise they've got a younger backline and probably don't have the experience down there," Royal said.
Richardson will spend most of the time roaming the half-forward line, where he admits he plays his best football.
"Full-forward is fantastic when things are going well but on other days . . . it can be pretty hard to get the ball down there," he said.
Young forward Jack Riewoldt has been left out of the side, while midfielder Mark Coughlan will play for Coburg in the VFL after back-to-back knee reconstructions.
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