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Dustin Martin of Richmond looks to clear the ball during the AFL Round 01 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Carlton Blues at the MCG, Melbourne. Slattery Images
Forget Geelong, St Kilda and Collingwood as the teams to watch. The Richmond Tigers have proven that they are the most exciting team taking the field in the lead up to September. Sure, they haven’t a chance to make it to the finals, but they have been fun to watch these last few weeks.
A wobbly start to the season has ruled them out of making the finals this year, but if their performance in recent weeks is anything to go by, the Tigers might just be genuine contenders in 2011.
Despite a proud history in the VFL/AFL, with ten premierships (the last of which was won in 1980), for a long time, Richmond have failed to make an appearance in the finals. Instability at the club has seen four different coaches in the last seven years, and a myriad of players jumping ship, with younger inexperienced players taking their place.
But now settled under the direction of Head Coach Damien Hardwick, these young players have shown what they’re made of these past few weeks, with gutsy wins over strong sides.
Five wins out of the last six matches for the Tigers have remarkably been their only wins of the season.
Their recent wins over West Coast, Port Adelaide and fourth-placed Fremantle, demand respect.
I might be wrong, but I don’t think there’s ever been a team who’s displayed such an impressive turnaround in form, so late in the season, like the Tigers have.
With young players like midfielder Trent Crotchin and Dustin Martin, combined with Brett Deledio, Dan Connors, Chris Newman, and Ben Cousins, the Tigers are looking good. That’s not to mention the stand-out player of the year, and Coleman Medal leader, Jack Riewoldt, who has shown his ability in contested marks, with a whopping 58 goals this season, 10 of which came in Round 12 against the West Coast Eagles.
This sprightly 21 year old Tasmanian may not be the tallest man on the field and he may not look like the strongest man out there, but he has been a revelation for Richmond and without a doubt the best player in their team this season.
There’s certainly an air of optimism down at Punt Road.
They may be second-last on the ladder with 20 points, but they’re playing like they’re outright second. If recent form is anything to go by, upcoming matches against North Melbourne and rivals Collingwood will see us all in chorus wishing we’re from Tigerland.
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