A Richmond 2008 preview from the other side/sash

[one-eyed]

The bombers supporters' (bomberblitz) season preview of Richmond......... 

--------------------------------------------------------

Here we go again, looking at each team and what we expect from them next year. Those offended by discussing something other than Essendon on the forum feel free to ready something else.

Richmond suffered from a false dawn. They had Terry Wallace come in and as they had done for other coaches they started to show improvement. Then they turned into the Richmond we all rely on. Last year they were terrible. Wallace could see it before the season got going when he warned that the Tiges were 5 or 6 years away from challenging. Shame his contract doesnt last that long.

Richmond sufferred with injuries to their rucks which are thinner than probably even us. It starts with Simmonds and finished with Simmonds. Any chance the Tigers have of improving rests on his average shoulders.

The backline was weakened early last season when any players they had who could stop goals were told they were no longer required. They have some quality unaccountable backs in Bowden and Polak but seem to lack anyone who can shut down an opposition forward when they hit their stride. Geelongs absolute demolition of them last year was embarassing for everyone and they had no answer at all.

The forward line is aging. Richardson still owns the forward 50 and it is hard to see an heir to his throne. He has lost a little of his spark and unless Brown finds a little of his form of old and gets truly fit then it is hard to see them kicking enough goals each week. McMahon is an interesting prospect for them but whilst a quality player he isnt a matchwinner. Richmond dont have very many match winners at all. Jack Reiwoldt could be the X factor in the forward line but he realistically is probably another season away from being ready.

The midfield is probably the main area of strength for the Tiges. Deledio developed further last year and will soon become elite, Tambling seems to take two steps backwards and one sideways for every forward step in his career and seems little more than a bit part player taken way too high in the draft. Coghlan who was one of the highest rated inside midfielders a couple of years back is now in a constant fight against his own body to play the game. Polo a revelation a in 06 was woeful in 07, Shane Tuck the same dropped his bundle last year.

As much as I think the Tigers would love to put 07 behind then I think they will repeat the dose this season coming. Another spoon for a team whose list looks even weaker than the start of last year.

http://www.bomberblitz.com/forum/index.php?s=919048090fb07b9977b0fab9d992b918&showtopic=38456

[Hellenic Tiger]

Talk about sticking your head in the sand and talking in a derogatory way about others .

Sure nothing is concrete with our kids dare I say it but now that Sheeds Hird have moved on and a few others in their twilight that the pain has only just begun for them.
Its been 3 seasons since they have made finals and they still have alot of dead wood in their side at least we have taken the plunge and gone the full rebuild.

[rogerd3]

The bombers supporters' (bomberblitz) season preview of Richmond......... 

--------------------------------------------------------

Here we go again, looking at each team and what we expect from them next year. Those offended by discussing something other than Essendon on the forum feel free to ready something else.

Richmond suffered from a false dawn. They had Terry Wallace come in and as they had done for other coaches they started to show improvement. Then they turned into the Richmond we all rely on. Last year they were terrible. Wallace could see it before the season got going when he warned that the Tiges were 5 or 6 years away from challenging. Shame his contract doesnt last that long.

Richmond sufferred with injuries to their rucks which are thinner than probably even us. It starts with Simmonds and finished with Simmonds. Any chance the Tigers have of improving rests on his average shoulders.

The backline was weakened early last season when any players they had who could stop goals were told they were no longer required. They have some quality unaccountable backs in Bowden and Polak but seem to lack anyone who can shut down an opposition forward when they hit their stride. Geelongs absolute demolition of them last year was embarassing for everyone and they had no answer at all.

The forward line is aging. Richardson still owns the forward 50 and it is hard to see an heir to his throne. He has lost a little of his spark and unless Brown finds a little of his form of old and gets truly fit then it is hard to see them kicking enough goals each week. McMahon is an interesting prospect for them but whilst a quality player he isnt a matchwinner. Richmond dont have very many match winners at all. Jack Reiwoldt could be the X factor in the forward line but he realistically is probably another season away from being ready.

The midfield is probably the main area of strength for the Tiges. Deledio developed further last year and will soon become elite, Tambling seems to take two steps backwards and one sideways for every forward step in his career and seems little more than a bit part player taken way too high in the draft. Coghlan who was one of the highest rated inside midfielders a couple of years back is now in a constant fight against his own body to play the game. Polo a revelation a in 06 was woeful in 07, Shane Tuck the same dropped his bundle last year.

As much as I think the Tigers would love to put 07 behind then I think they will repeat the dose this season coming. Another spoon for a team whose list looks even weaker than the start of last year.

http://www.bomberblitz.com/forum/index.php?s=919048090fb07b9977b0fab9d992b918&showtopic=38456

this will be the common trend amongst most football boards, so how can the list be weaker when we have some players that hardly played at all last year back on the field, gotta love these nuff nuff's hey.

[terrys tigers]

Lets look at the Dons list in 3/4 years when there is no Llyod, Fletcher, Lucas and Michael. They are pinning there hopes on guy's like Dempsey, Dyson, Gumbleton, Nash, Slaterry etc, who in all honesty have shown far less than the likes of the Polo, Foley, Lids, Tambling, Thursty, McGuane, Raines etc who are all in the same age bracket. Good luck to them when Lucas with 61 goals and LLyod's 62 goals are not there and there forwards in Gumbleton and Johns have to fill the void.

[Little Jackie]

The bombers supporters' (bomberblitz) season preview of Richmond......... 

--------------------------------------------------------

Here we go again, looking at each team and what we expect from them next year. Those offended by discussing something other than Essendon on the forum feel free to ready something else.

Richmond suffered from a false dawn. They had Terry Wallace come in and as they had done for other coaches they started to show improvement. Then they turned into the Richmond we all rely on. Last year they were terrible. Wallace could see it before the season got going when he warned that the Tiges were 5 or 6 years away from challenging. Shame his contract doesnt last that long.

Richmond sufferred with injuries to their rucks which are thinner than probably even us. It starts with Simmonds and finished with Simmonds. Any chance the Tigers have of improving rests on his average shoulders.

The backline was weakened early last season when any players they had who could stop goals were told they were no longer required. They have some quality unaccountable backs in Bowden and Polak but seem to lack anyone who can shut down an opposition forward when they hit their stride. Geelongs absolute demolition of them last year was embarassing for everyone and they had no answer at all.

The forward line is aging. Richardson still owns the forward 50 and it is hard to see an heir to his throne. He has lost a little of his spark and unless Brown finds a little of his form of old and gets truly fit then it is hard to see them kicking enough goals each week. McMahon is an interesting prospect for them but whilst a quality player he isnt a matchwinner. Richmond dont have very many match winners at all. Jack Reiwoldt could be the X factor in the forward line but he realistically is probably another season away from being ready.

The midfield is probably the main area of strength for the Tiges. Deledio developed further last year and will soon become elite, Tambling seems to take two steps backwards and one sideways for every forward step in his career and seems little more than a bit part player taken way too high in the draft. Coghlan who was one of the highest rated inside midfielders a couple of years back is now in a constant fight against his own body to play the game. Polo a revelation a in 06 was woeful in 07, Shane Tuck the same dropped his bundle last year.

As much as I think the Tigers would love to put 07 behind then I think they will repeat the dose this season coming. Another spoon for a team whose list looks even weaker than the start of last year.

http://www.bomberblitz.com/forum/index.php?s=919048090fb07b9977b0fab9d992b918&showtopic=38456

Fairly accurate assessment actually.
Most things listed are factual

[Ox]

The bombers supporters' (bomberblitz) season preview of Richmond......... 

--------------------------------------------------------

Here we go again, looking at each team and what we expect from them next year. Those offended by discussing something other than Essendon on the forum feel free to ready something else.

Richmond suffered from a false dawn. They had Terry Wallace come in and as they had done for other coaches they started to show improvement. Then they turned into the Richmond we all rely on. Last year they were terrible. Wallace could see it before the season got going when he warned that the Tiges were 5 or 6 years away from challenging. Shame his contract doesnt last that long.

Richmond sufferred with injuries to their rucks which are thinner than probably even us. It starts with Simmonds and finished with Simmonds. Any chance the Tigers have of improving rests on his average shoulders.

The backline was weakened early last season when any players they had who could stop goals were told they were no longer required. They have some quality unaccountable backs in Bowden and Polak but seem to lack anyone who can shut down an opposition forward when they hit their stride. Geelongs absolute demolition of them last year was embarassing for everyone and they had no answer at all.

The forward line is aging. Richardson still owns the forward 50 and it is hard to see an heir to his throne. He has lost a little of his spark and unless Brown finds a little of his form of old and gets truly fit then it is hard to see them kicking enough goals each week. McMahon is an interesting prospect for them but whilst a quality player he isnt a matchwinner. Richmond dont have very many match winners at all. Jack Reiwoldt could be the X factor in the forward line but he realistically is probably another season away from being ready.

The midfield is probably the main area of strength for the Tiges. Deledio developed further last year and will soon become elite, Tambling seems to take two steps backwards and one sideways for every forward step in his career and seems little more than a bit part player taken way too high in the draft. Coghlan who was one of the highest rated inside midfielders a couple of years back is now in a constant fight against his own body to play the game. Polo a revelation a in 06 was woeful in 07, Shane Tuck the same dropped his bundle last year.

As much as I think the Tigers would love to put 07 behind then I think they will repeat the dose this season coming. Another spoon for a team whose list looks even weaker than the start of last year.

http://www.bomberblitz.com/forum/index.php?s=919048090fb07b9977b0fab9d992b918&showtopic=38456

Fairly accurate assessment actually.
Most things listed are factual

let's all try to appear as though we are contributing unbiased commentary,
when really we will just be bitching about negatives.

[blx]

in a macabre way i really really hope this vein of review continues and every man, woman and their dogs write us off.

will make life so much more enjoyable 

[bluey_21]

in a macabre way i really really hope this vein of review continues and every man, woman and their dogs write us off.

will make life so much more enjoyable 

put very well 

[Moi]

Don't have a problem with the article - pretty accurate summary really.
But that's what happens when you're rebiulding.
Santa has put some pretty decent picks in our stocking this year, so we're on the upward scale in progression, whereas I think they're heading in the opposite.
Come back and see us in a couple more years 

For those who'd hoped I'd gone, stiff 

[Struggletown]

The bombers supporters' (bomberblitz) season preview of Richmond......... 

--------------------------------------------------------

Here we go again, looking at each team and what we expect from them next year. Those offended by discussing something other than Essendon on the forum feel free to ready something else.

Richmond suffered from a false dawn. They had Terry Wallace come in and as they had done for other coaches they started to show improvement. Then they turned into the Richmond we all rely on. Last year they were terrible. Wallace could see it before the season got going when he warned that the Tiges were 5 or 6 years away from challenging. Shame his contract doesnt last that long.

Richmond sufferred with injuries to their rucks which are thinner than probably even us. It starts with Simmonds and finished with Simmonds. Any chance the Tigers have of improving rests on his average shoulders.

The backline was weakened early last season when any players they had who could stop goals were told they were no longer required. They have some quality unaccountable backs in Bowden and Polak but seem to lack anyone who can shut down an opposition forward when they hit their stride. Geelongs absolute demolition of them last year was embarassing for everyone and they had no answer at all.

The forward line is aging. Richardson still owns the forward 50 and it is hard to see an heir to his throne. He has lost a little of his spark and unless Brown finds a little of his form of old and gets truly fit then it is hard to see them kicking enough goals each week. McMahon is an interesting prospect for them but whilst a quality player he isnt a matchwinner. Richmond dont have very many match winners at all. Jack Reiwoldt could be the X factor in the forward line but he realistically is probably another season away from being ready.

The midfield is probably the main area of strength for the Tiges. Deledio developed further last year and will soon become elite, Tambling seems to take two steps backwards and one sideways for every forward step in his career and seems little more than a bit part player taken way too high in the draft. Coghlan who was one of the highest rated inside midfielders a couple of years back is now in a constant fight against his own body to play the game. Polo a revelation a in 06 was woeful in 07, Shane Tuck the same dropped his bundle last year.

As much as I think the Tigers would love to put 07 behind then I think they will repeat the dose this season coming. Another spoon for a team whose list looks even weaker than the start of last year.

http://www.bomberblitz.com/forum/index.php?s=919048090fb07b9977b0fab9d992b918&showtopic=38456

Fairly accurate assessment actually.
Most things listed are factual

Really Jack?
I reckon i'm realistic about our list, which is still average, but there are glaring omissions and downright rubbish in that attempt of a assesment.

Simmonds average?Not in my eyes he aint.
Polo didn't dominate in 06 (aside from a game against them) and was injured and missed the 2nd half of 07.What amazing research and thought process that shows.
Gaspar was awful and spent more time sprawled on the turf than stopping goals, and i had more faith in Thursfield in 2007 than Gaspar post 2001.
The Richo that 'lost his spark' won his first B&F of his career in 2007.
The comments about our midfield (bar Lids) were all negative and ridiculously overlooked Foleys rise to prominance....he wasn't even mentioned!

Written by a nonce with little football knowlege.

I don't rate us a finals hope or even a massive improvement in 2008, but that wasn't even close to reality.

[Moi]

We came last, Struggs, we can't be bragging about that
I thought a lot of what he said was pretty accurate from an outsider's view.

But those who follow the club will know we're in a rebuilding phase, I don't expect great things at the moment, and I care the least what opposition supporters think of us.  They'll be in for a big shock and we'll wipe that smug smile off their pea-brained heads pretty soon lol

We're heading in the right direction, but still a lightweight in the comp. 

We will have a massive dent in the side when Richo and Brownie go, so we really have to see the likes of Riewoldt step up this year as he said.

But I've got a huge smile on my face with the recruiting we've done this year and the games the young players are putting under their belt.

[Struggletown]

We came last, Struggs, we can't be bragging about that
I thought a lot of what he said was pretty accurate from an outsider's view.

But those who follow the club will know we're in a rebuilding phase, I don't expect great things at the moment, and I care the least what opposition supporters think of us.  They'll be in for a big shock and we'll wipe that smug smile off their pea-brained heads pretty soon lol

We're heading in the right direction, but still a lightweight in the comp. 

We will have a massive dent in the side when Richo and Brownie go, so we really have to see the likes of Riewoldt step up this year as he said.

But I've got a huge smile on my face with the recruiting we've done this year and the games the young players are putting under their belt.

I agree with the sentiment of finishing where we deserved to Moi, but IMO the person who penned it wrote a load of complete bollocks in some parts.
He'd also do well to remember who cut them up in their captain and coaches farewell tribute game and asses exactly where they're headed on that basis.
I look forward to reading his thoughts on where he sees Essendons rapid rise coming from.

[Ramps]

being brutally honest the assessment isnt far of the mark,we need another year down the bottom anyway and 3 or 4 more really good picks in the national draft.

[Stripes]

I spoke to an Essendon supporter yesterday who voiced similiar sentiments. This is an outsiders view based on superficial knowledge and a biased stance.

Other teams supporters don't know very much beyond our 'name' players such as Richo, Browny, Simmonds. Lids and the like. They do not know or wish to care about the developing players because they would much rather spend that time investigating their own team. Completely understandable in reality.

The only way the general football public will change their options on our players first and team later, is through results on the board. Promise and potential mean nought unless they are fufilled.

Unfortunately most of this analysis is accurate on the surface. Looking at our team and players performance this year without any knowledge (or care) of our clubs stage of development - we were very ordinary.

We all know where we are heading and we all know we WILL get there which is why I'm going to save this post and pin it back up on the Essendon sight next year after we strip them of their arrogance and dignity with a crushing defeat and once again in 2011+ when we win the flag!

I can not stand Essendon Arrogance and am patiently waiting for when I can stop hearing how crap my team is and start getting some well earned respect from tossers like this for a change.

Make us proud Tigers - we are better than this!

Stripes

[richmondrules]

We came last, Struggs, we can't be bragging about that
I thought a lot of what he said was pretty accurate from an outsider's view.

But those who follow the club will know we're in a rebuilding phase, I don't expect great things at the moment, and I care the least what opposition supporters think of us.  They'll be in for a big shock and we'll wipe that smug smile off their pea-brained heads pretty soon lol

We're heading in the right direction, but still a lightweight in the comp. 

We will have a massive dent in the side when Richo and Brownie go, so we really have to see the likes of Riewoldt step up this year as he said.

But I've got a huge smile on my face with the recruiting we've done this year and the games the young players are putting under their belt.

I agree with the sentiment of finishing where we deserved to Moi, but IMO the person who penned it wrote a load of complete bollocks in some parts.
He'd also do well to remember who cut them up in their captain and coaches farewell tribute game and asses exactly where they're headed on that basis.
I look forward to reading his thoughts on where he sees Essendons rapid rise coming from.

It is bollocks because it is based on popular opinion rather than any true knowledge of the team or club. I find it acceptable that an outside supporter would come to these conclusions. I am sure my opinion of Essendon would have similar credibility since the only information I have about the bummers is third hand, biased and deliberately negative in an opposition supporter kind of way. Apart from that I hope they crash and burn big time.

Personally I agree that our short term prospects look quite shaky but in the long term we are looking better than we have for a very long time. To take an interest in our team and to think otherwise shows a lack of imagination.