Season Preview – Richmond Tigers
SportsAustralia.com
Costas Kastanis
Monday March 23, 2009
A coach under more pressure than the economy, a former Eagle’s bad-boy making a yellow and black comeback, a ninth place finish again in 2008, and Richo defying the rules of aging. Another fun season at Tigerland is upon us.
THE OUTLOOK FOR 2009:Only those who took a holiday to Mars during the summer would not be aware of Ben Cousins’ move to Punt Road. The former Eagle’s captain may be just the tonic the Tigers need to make the finals for only the third time in 27 years.
Even if Cousins can’t recapture the form that won him a Brownlow, his presence in the Richmond midfield should help free up Tiger guns like Brett Deledio and Nathan Foley.
Deledio was probably the breakout player of the AFL in 2009. The former number one draft pick came of age, averaging 24 disposals, seven marks and one goal a game. He can expect a stronger tag this season, although Cousins’ arrival may help off-set the attention directed towards him.
Richmond’s version of the reverse aging Benjamin Button is the enigmatic Matthew Richardson. He just keeps betting better every season. The 34-year-old almost pinched the 2008 Brownlow Medal following his move onto a wing. His agility and speed for a big man makes him a nightmare match-up for opponents.
Richo is one of the most exciting and entertaining players in AFL history. His teammates owe it to him to make the eight in what could be his final season.
The time has arrived for the Tigers. The rebuilding is over, the squad is set, and the coach is playing his final hand in the form of an ace named Ben Cousins. Richmond is September-bound.
THE KEY: MATTHEW RICHARDSONRicho was reborn in 2009, with a shift to the wing reigniting his career. The energy he brings out onto the field alone should inspire his teammates to greater heights. When in form, he is nearly impossible to match-up, making him the key to Richmond’s hopes in 09.
READY TO BREAKOUT: TRENT COTCHINThe youngster didn’t have a pre-season in 2008, yet slot into the Richmond midfield with the poise and maturity of a veteran. It’s scary to think what he might do with a full pre-season behind him. Unfortunately, the 18-year-old has been injured again, meaning a delayed start to 2009. When he returns, pre-season or not, Cotchin has the tools to become an elite player.
FUTURE STAR: ALEX RANCEThe key position prospect is the son of former Eagle Murray. He spent his 2008 season in the VFL, displaying excellent potential. In 2009, Rance should stamp himself as a permanent member of the Tiger’s backline. Competition will be fierce with Kelvin Moore, Luke McGuane and Will Thursfield having enjoyed tremendous 2008 campaigns, but Rance is young, enthusiastic, and ready to shine.
ON SHAKY GROUND: CLEVE HUGHESHe has shown glimpses of what he can do, but time is running out for the forward to make himself a regular in the Tiger’s attack. Finding consistency in his fourth season of AFL is what Hughes needs to aim for.
X-FACTOR: BEN COUSINSRichmond finished ninth in 2008, one spot away from September berth. With an improving young list and a sprinkling of brilliant veterans desperate for a taste of September glory, Ben Cousins is as close to an x-factor as there can be. If he fires, Richmond will be a finals certainty.
BEST BROWNLOW CHANCE: MATTHEW RICHARDSONLike no other player in the league, Richo can stand out in the umpire’s minds for the best and the worst reasons. When everything is going his way, he is almost a lock for three votes, but he can just as easily ruin his chances with a verbal spray at the men in white.
One thing is for sure, Richo will give you value for money if you back him.
THE COACH: TERRY WALLACEWallace is under severe pressure in 2009. His five year contract is in its last leg and nothing but a finals appearance will save his job.
The drafting of Ben Cousins was an obvious last-gasp attempt to push Richmond one step closer towards September, but it was a move that should be applauded for its bravery. If Cousins helps take the Tigers into the eight, Wallace will be seen as a hero at Punt Road.
BEST 22B Moore, Thursfield, Newman
HB Bowden, Moore, McMahon
C Richardson, K.Johnson, Tuck
HF Deledio, Hughes, Tambling
F Morton, Riewoldt, N.Brown
Foll Simmonds, Foley, Cousins
Inter from Rance, McGuane, Coughlan, Edwards, Graham, Jackson, King, Raines, Schulz, Thomson, White, Vickery
PREDICTION: 3-6 Everything points towards a huge season out at Punt Road. A good backline and a dangerous forward structure, backed by a brilliant midfield, especially once Cousins and Cotchin are up and running. The Tigers will make the eight. Put simply, they have to or it’s curtains for Wallace.
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