In thumping league strugglers the Western Bulldogs, Richmond have won their first three matches of a season for the first time in 18 years. That year they made the preliminary final. Could this be the end of their supporters’ misery?
They were warm favourites against the Bulldogs, who had been reasonable in their first two matches but they were bitten severely on the weekend
It will be a long and hard season for the Dogs, with victories set to be few and far between. Richmond, though, showed they are becoming a very good side by making sure they handed out a belting to a poor side like the ones they used to receive themselves.
Richmond dominated the contest in the first half but were inaccurate, then exploded in the second when they found their range in kicking for goal.
Their recruiting of youngsters and recycled players from other clubs has been astute in recent seasons, a far cry from five years ago when they were constantly after quick fixes.
They have one of the most exciting midfields in the competition, led by their brilliant skipper, Trent Cotchin, Dustin Martin and Brett Deledio. The Bulldogs were not capable of getting near that trio, with their coach, Brendan Mccartney unable to provide a solution.
They now have a quality ruckman, Ivan Maric, the former Crow, who needed a change of scenery and has become of the best big men in the competition over the past 12 months after treading water in his final years with Adelaide.
Jack Reiwoldt continues to be their match winner on the forward line, but he was goalless in round one and they still won, which was a great sign. Ty Vickery has stepped up supported by the smalls in Jake King, Robin Nahas and Shane Edwards, while Luke McGuane, who struggled to cement a spot as a key defender for the best part of a decade, has beome an unlikely trump card as a hard-working tall forward.
They have plenty of variety there making it difficult to match up against, something that ensures the scoreboard continues to tick over.
Coach Damian Hardwick is also moulding a solid defence, with Alex Rance, Troy Chaplin and Dylan Grimes when fit providing the height and strength, Stephen Morris the hardness, and Bachar Houli and Chris Newman the experience and run.
It’s early days, but this spectacular beginning to 2013 would certainly be wonderful news for Newman, the former skipper, who has played the most number of games so far without tasting finals footy. There’s no one in the game who deserves that opportunity more, and everyone would no doubt be delighted if he gets that chance.
The AFL needs a successful Richmond, with their huge and fanatical fan base, and this week the club plays one of their biggest matches for many seasons when they meet Colllingwood on Saturday afternoon at the MCG.
They could get 90,000 there.
I know that the Tigers are determined at this stage to keep the lid on and ensure they don’t get ahead of themselves, which is hard when their fans have been crying out for success after just two finals appearances in 30 years.
But if they beat the Magpies – and on form they should be slight favourites – I reckon the lid will blow off so high it’ll never be seen again.
Ironmonger
Guest
I'd love to see the Tiges win the David Cloke Cup this weekend. I remember watching the same game 4 years ago and it was an absolute embarassment. The Tiges couldn't get the ball, in one fluid motion, from end to end. The skills were terrible. As well as some solid recruiting there has been a stellar improvement in skills and mental focus which I credit to Hardwick. Would love to see them in the 8 and beat Collingwood this weekend but I reckon they'll fall short on both accounts.
JohnD
Guest
9th. Again. Now that's funny.
Floyd Calhoun
Guest
Not sure about blowing lids off just yet Dan, but if Richmond can maintain reasonable form throughout this season, we will see something that has been missing for far too long. Youngsters have very little idea of what a successful Richmond team brings to the league. Hasn't quite happened yet, but I reckon they're on track.
1860melbourne
Guest
Richmonds downhill spiral is about to begin this weekend. Definitely over rated!
Roro
Guest
I like the Tigers but for Christ sake have a LONG HARD LOOK at their draw before getting too excited. They could easily lose 4, or even all, of their next 5 games. They have away games against Freo and Port, and home games against heavyweights Geelong, Collingwood and Essendon. They could actually play very solidly in their next 5 games and still find themselves at 3-5 after round 8 because of this tough draw. As much as I want to see them make the finals it is articles like this one which have blown up in Richmond's face season after season.
Bogga
Guest
The more you pump them up, the more the shock when the bubble bursts. Collingwood aren't in great form, but they have a formidable midfield, something which the bulldogs and saints lack. If Richmond beat them, they might be finals contenders, but I'd still have my money on 9th.
Pollock
Guest
Think you have got it wrong. Collingwood are tipped to be a top 4 side so should start favourites and if the Tigers get close they will be doing well. Like the comment about Chris Newman, certainly a quality player who has done the hard yards at Tigerland. If he was at a better performed club he would be lauded as one of the AFL top echelon players.
Me Too
Guest
Fell over the line against Carlton, who are winless. Got above the saints thanks to very generous umpiring (nine inside forward fifty free kicks to one - four goals two to zip). Beaten bottom four prospect in the Doggies. Way to early to call it. The good news is they look about the same standard as North, Carlton, and the Saints, and will battle those teams for a spot - and they are three games up on two of them already.
Avatar
Roar Guru
If Richmond can beat Collingwood, then they'll be the talk of the AFL for the following week. But a lot of things could happen between now and the end of August. Remember, Carlton were one of the favourites in 2012, they started the season 3-0, but then fell apart at the end of the season and it cost Brett Ratten his job. Hopefully this fate will not befall the Tigers this year.
Ryman White
Editor
I get such a kick out of this early stage in the season as teams start out above and below expectations. Port fans are up, Carlton fans are down, and all really unproven in the true test of the season. That being said, if any fans should be excited, it's Richmond fans. The players they have added in the past couple of season have really completed their list, to the point where, more than any of the up-and-coming teams of 2013, its hard to pinpoint anything they really lack. As well, getting through the first few games of the season without a loss is huge for them. For the past few years the first few rounds have been confidence crushing for he Tigers; a reality check that has managed to linger throughout the season. If I was a Richmond supporter I would be getting rightfully excited for the season to come.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Stratton
Guest
Agree. Best to wait until this weekend. I suspect they'll get beaten by the 'woods and we'll return to our normal programming services.
Ahmed
Guest
If the Tigers make a final ... it will be a match that every sporting fan in Australia should look to attend. AFL fans are very passionate about football, but if the Tigers play then the term Passionate will be redefined in the Australian vernacular. Fans across Australia will be going crazy! That said. I hope they come ninth.
nmj1654
Roar Rookie
Don't bite too early Tiges fans. There's reason to be excited as the team are finally running games out and executing what we've seen in glimpses for a few years, but so far they've beaten 3 sides that failed to make the finals series in 2012. I hope for their sake it isn't a false dawn - they have a brilliant nucleus of midfielders, a tight forward group and a coach who looks to be bringing back the best of our great game - running passes, high scoring, exciting football.
Milo
Guest
As a long suffering tiger supporter i agree fully with Hawker. Beating Footscray who with a team of kids will be inconsistent, is overrated. Against Carlton we probably deserved to win but bad kick in first qrt (2.9) nearly came back to bite. StKilda we never quite got going, but the next four weeks will give a better indication of where the tigers really are. After the pies, we have freo (over there) and cats at the G followed by Port over there. Wouldnt be surprised to be 3-4.
Matt
Guest
Dad follows the Tigers - they don't look premiership material, but should at least win a few games this year!
Swampy
Guest
Looks like the lid is already half off - it is only a matter of time before someone is backing another load of manure up to the Punt Rd offices. If Tigers supporters haven't noticed, they have only beaten teams that were average to bad last year so far. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download it now [http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-roar/id327174726?mt=8].
Hawker
Guest
beat collingwood and we'll talk. fair dinkum they were lucky to beat carlton, played in fits and starts against St Kilda and gave the doggies (who'll be lucky to win 5 games this year) a 10 goal "hiding".