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Will it be another fruitless season at Punt Road or are Richmond primed for a finals berth?
If there ever was an acid test for one club, 2013 is it for the ever-disappointing Richmond.
Every season seems to bring so much promise to the Punt Road faithful but every September the Tigers players are already on holidays and wondering ‘what if?’.
2013 is the same again for Damien Hardwick and his men who can only blame themselves for missing the eight last year, mainly due to a trio of defeats by less than five points between rounds 16 and 18.
An inexplicable two-point loss to Gold Coast (a home game which was sold to Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns), and four-point reverses at the hands of North Melbourne and Carlton seemingly cost the Tigers a first crack at the finals since 2001.
They also lost three other matches by 12 points or less to Geelong, West Coast and Fremantle and drew with Port Adelaide in the final round.
Regardless of the fact, it was certainly a year of progress at Tigerland with the prominent rise of captain-elect Trent Cotchin, the consistency of Brett Deledio, the surprising form of Ivan Maric and a Coleman Medal to Jack Riewoldt who was hardly sighted last pre-season.
There is plenty to like about the new-look Tigers. They are following the lead of their nard-nosed coach who has instilled a spirit and character not seen in a black and yellow jumper for some time.
Yes, the customary skill errors remain but are definitely being minimised, mainly due to the fact that they had time to iron out those deficiencies last season by topping the competition in disposals.
The midfield could be key with the likes of Cotchin, Shane Tuck, Dustin Martin (remember he is still only 21) and Shaun Grigg consistently pumping the ball into a forward line.
The forward line consists of a fully-fit Riewoldt, who will be assisted by Tyrone Vickery (ready to step up), the lead-up abilities of former Kangaroo Aaron Edwards and the goalscoring knack of his namesake Shane Edwards.
There is plenty to like about the Richmond defence in 2013 with former skipper Chris Newman set to be released in a more advanced role and promoted recycled rookie Ricky Petterd to step into his roaming half-back position.
The addition of Troy Chaplin from Port Adelaide is enormous as it enables Alex Rance to play further away from the goal square and on opponents more his size, while there is variety with lockdown small defender Steve Morris and the imminent second-year improvement of Brandon Ellis (likely to spend time in midfield).
A tough early draw including fixtures against opening round nemesis Carlton, Collingwood, Freo (away) and Geelong in the first five rounds could have the Tigers reeling if things don’t go their way but they have enough suitable matches after that to respond positively.
But as a fearful Tigers supporter, I have to shy away from all the hype and positivity surrounding the club this year and tip them to finish in a very familiar position.
This is mainly just to limit my expectations from a team who has failed to deliver again and again.
Key players
Trent Cotchin – Class personified. Almost impossible to tag and will lead the club for the next decade.
Brett Deledio – Super consistent midfielder whose rebound from half-back and penetration into the forward 50 are paramount.
Jack Riewoldt – Natural goalkicker who can make something of out of nothing. Two Coleman Medals in three years is a great return.
Break out potential
Tyrone Vickery – Has been spruiked in the past but the tall forward/ruckman is set to fulfil his potential in 2013 after a disappointing 2012.
Reece Conca – 35-game player who is ready to step out of the midfield shadows and be a vital contributor.
Matt Dea – Has had some injuries and has been thereabouts but should feature a lot more in defence this year.
Promising youngsters
Nick Vlastuin – Hard and tough draftee who will play off half-back and through the midfield. Ready for senior footy straight away.
Brandon Ellis – Had an impressive debut season in 2012 and is likely to be given more responsibility as a midfielder.
Brett O’Hanlon – Played eight games as a half-forward last season and is being tipped to slip into the senior team with more regularity.
Key inclusions
Troy Chaplin – Key defender from Port Adelaide will be of great benefit to the Tigers defence.
Chris Knights – Skilful wing/half-forward who needs to get back to playing frequent senior footy after some injury worries with Adelaide.
Aaron Edwards – Former Kangroo who will add depth to the forward 50.
Ricky Petterd – Across from Melbourne where he played up forward. Promoted from the rookie list and will slot in to defence as a ball carrier.
Notable departures
Angus Graham – Adelaide
Kelvin Moore – retired
Predicted finish: ninth
Worth a punt
Trent Cotchin – to win Brownlow Medal into Richmond to miss top 8: $15.20
Jack Riewoldt – to win Coleman Medal into Richmond to make top 8: $11.10
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