Tigers or Demons? It's your choice Jon Anderson
From: Herald Sun
June 23, 2011 10:37AMA YEAR ago it would have been difficult to believe Richmond could challenge Melbourne for one one of the competition's best young lists.
Now the two teams are on very similar paths, locked on 22 points with one a chance to kick a game clear when they meet at the MCG tomorrow.
The Tigers, under the direction of Damien Harwick, are finally taking some positive steps after years of aimless wondering.
Hardwick has a plan and won't take his eyes off it.
There were periods early in 2010, after the team lost its first nine games by an average of nine goals, when it looked hopeless.
But after running the Hawks to three points in Round 8, they went to Adelaide and beat the Power in Round 10 and went on to win six of their last 13 games.
This season has been even better, with five wins and a draw from 12 matches.
The Demons have the same record but have been more inconsistent.
Injuries aren't an excuse as both teams have had them, Richmond at one stage having most of its tall backline unavailable, with Kelvin Moore a big loss.
So who do you think has the better list? To make it simpler, let's break the comparison down to four key categories
DEFENCEMelbourne: What was a strength in 2010 - with Jack Grimes, James Frawley, Jared Rivers and Colin Garland - has been hit by injury, with Frawley a late starter, Grimes gone for the year and Garland not getting a clear run. Daniel Nicholson has shown good signs as did Luke Tapscott before injury.
Richmond: Has done remarkably well with Kelvin Moore out all year. Alex Rance has stepped up, Dyland Grimes looked very promising, Chris Newman is just a good player, Reece Conca is very clean, Brett Deledio has had arguably his best year. David Astbury can play but is gone for the year while Bachar Hoilli has been a revelation off half back. Jake Batchelor looks a good prospect.
FORWARDMelbourne: They are behind the Tigers, given they lack two big building blocks like Riewoldt and Vickery. Jack Watts and Liam Jurrah are good players but ideally the second the third tall marking options. The Demons hope promising 196cm Lucas Cook will one day become that player but he's 10kg off at the moment. Jeremy Howe has done really well in his first season and can take a grab. Brad Green has had an inconsistent season.
Richmond: Jake King, as a small defensive forward, has been a beauty, Jack Riewoldt has been good, Tyrone Vickery has changed the face of the club, Robin Nahas has the leg speed every forward line needs. And they still have an opinion of 19-year-old Ben Griffiths who is 198cm. If he comes through, look out.
MIDFIELDMelbourne: The return of tackling machine Jordie McKenzie gives this area real balance, the work ethic of Nathan Jones can't be questioned, Brent Moloney knocks up winning contested ball, Colin Sylvia adds class, Cale Morton has lifted after a slow start, Jordan Gysberts shows glimpses and then there are the "twins", Tom Scully and Jack Trengove, who are both class operators. Obviously the key is retaining Scully.
Richmond: In Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin they have the best young duo in the game. And Daniel Jackson is up there with the best run-with players. Nathan Foley's comeback has been vitally important. Shane Edwards, Matt White and Ben Nason are industrious but small, Shane Tuck and Shaun Grigg ball winners who aren't great kicks. They desperately require at least two more class operators.
RUCKMelbourne: Reckon the Demons score a clear win here, given Mark Jamar is one of the best in the business, Stefan Martin has blossomed in Mark Jamar's absence and Max Gawn is the developing 208cm teenager who has had a taste of senior action.
Richmond: They need one of Andrew Browne or Angus Graham to stand up and grab the number one role. Vickery is the ideal ruckman/forward option and it's too early to tell with mature-aged Tom Derickx. An area they will have to target at draft time.
VERDICTRight now I slightly favour the Tigers, primarily because of Riewoldt and Vickey up forward. They need to improve their rucking department and midfield depth, just as the Demons require a strong-bodied forward.
Melbourne's list is slightly deeper but some of those players are very good in the VFL and not so good at AFL level.
SO THAT'S WHAT ANDO THINKS. NOW JOIN HIM LIVE ONLINE AT 9 am ON FRIDAY AND TELL HIM WHAT YOU THINK. http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/pick-one/story-e6frf9if-1226080471176
