Similar to Beethoven’s Ninth symphony, 2012 could be one for the Richmond Football Club to remember. One where they come out on top, silence the doubters and overcome the pressure.
2012 could be the year the Tigers finally finish inside the top eight, for the first time since 2001.
In previous years the crowd that is the Tigers hopeful would sit rigid in their seats, worried that if they left their seat Jumping Jack might miss a shot at goal.
Similarily, they would worry that Cotchin or Martin might lose focus for a second and that it could cost them the game.
The sub-plot of missing out on the finals has followed them since their last premiership in 1982.
Whether it’s been poor performance, poor coaching, or bad off-season choices (think Tambling in the 2004 AFL Draft) Richmond just always seem to find a way to let down their supporters.
Because after all that’s said and done, it has always ended the same – close, but not good enough.
With six ninth place finishes since 1994, a finish just outside the top eight has proved to be Richmond’s bread and butter.
But can 2012 see them finally break through and buck the trend?
Beginning the year with a tough draw and a few early losses, the word on the street was doom and gloom yet again.
It was set to be another long year at Tigerland, with fans already planning ahead for next year.
But with four wins from their last five starts, all of a sudden the top eight isn’t that much of a stretch.
Can this current group of Tigers actually give the competition a shake this year?
Let’s have a quick look at their best hopes for a brighter future.
With a young, exciting midfield led by former number-one pick Brett Deledio and young pup Trent Cotchin, opposition coaches are starting to label the Tiger engine room as one of the best, if not the best, in the league.
In defence they have Alex Rance, who is in All-Australian form at the back, having stepped up to another level in 2012.
Chris Newman is playing solidly as captain, while off-season recruit Steven Morris’ aggression and level-headedness has seen him make a seamless transition to senior footy.
They have Jumping Jack Flash up forward, who has seemingly played himself back into form with a confidence-boosting eight goals against the Saints on Friday night.
With a solid supporting cast of tall timber and goal-kicking midfielders, the Tigers’ attack is in good touch heading into the half-way mark of the season.
Which brings us to the ruck, an area where they have previously lacked aggression and drive.
Now this is one of their biggest strengths in 2012.
New recruit Ivan Maric has been a revelation since crossing over from Adelaide.
Maric is in All-Australian form of late, giving the Tigers midfield first use of the ball while tallying some impressive stats of his own.
Add to this a solid supporting cast of ex-Blue Shaun Grigg, former Don Bachar Houli and Jake ‘push-up’ King and even people outside of Tigerland are starting to believe.
2012 really could see the beginning of a new era for the yellow and black.
So when the sun sets on Punt Rd in 2012, what song will the Tigers faithful be singing?
A rasping rendition of the team anthem or yet another sulking version of Richmond’s ode to ninth place?
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