Why 2014 is the time for Richmond to return to the top

Richmond will make top four. There consistancy last year and young crop of players show there's no backward steps, with: There improved consistancy shows they are about to come of age. And; There young guns namely vlastuin and Ellis and play like veterans and don't need years to develop. They don't however have enough on-field leaders to go to deep into finals - cotchin & Jackson being the only real standouts. The rise of grimes, vlastuin and Ellis into leaders on-field will resolve this in years to come. Ladder as follows: Fremantle Sydney Essendon Richmond North Geelong Hawthorn Goldcoast Tough to leave out collingwood but they don't have the depth Geelong have had to restructure and not slide down the 8. Easy leaving port out. No explanation required. Hawthorns ageing midfield will struggle after a premiership.

The Tigers are a good looking young side heading towards at least an elimination final, possibly a qualifying if they have a good run with injuries. Although Richmond have been terrible in the last 30 years, that is the past and won't affect them now. North Melbourne won't make the 8 let alone the top 4, sorry but they're list hardly suggests a finish in the top 10. My prediction for 2014. 1.Fremantle 2.Sydney 3. Geelong 4.Hawthorn 5.Richmond 6. Port Adelaide 7. Gold Coast (They'll be the suprise this year) 8. Collingwood Don't discount The lions, The bombers, the crows or the doggies. Closest season in years is my prediction

North, with an incredible draw, are a far better prospect to finish top 4 than Richmond. My tip: 1. Hawthorn 2. Sydney 3. Fremantle 4. North Melbourne

I reckon everyone is switching off to what North is doing. They have the team to win it! They were ridiculously unlucky last year and should've finished top 4. They add Dal Santo this year who won't get tagged and be clean as off the half back.

Maths wasn't his strong suit ;)

Richmond should expect to have a decent season – whether they do or not is a different matter, but they should expect it. Hardwick has turned the culture of the club around substantially, and they have a core group of players which should at least land them into the finals. The constant assumption about Richmond failing is similar to the assumptions of the Sydney Swans. Year in, year out, there was always the prediction that the Swans would peter out – the best example was in 2003 when they were largely tipped to win the wooden spoon, but ended up coming third. Richmond have turned a corner, and should expect continued success.

Another set of Melbourne media driven furphies rolled out by Gecko. Richmond have spent the last 4 years improving their depth; but any club would struggle if injuries hit key players. In addition to this, Maric didn't have a great 2013, nor did Cotchin or Deledio by their high standards. Rance had an immense year, as did Martin. Riewoldt got a pass mark. I understand why people are sheepish about the Tigers prospects, I suppose it takes a supporter (admittedly myself) to see how unrecognisable this club is from the one Damian Hardwick was given. The media in Melbourne loves a cliche though and unfortunately people circular breathe these theories without actually looking at facts.

Top 4 finish, Gecko.

While the Richmond club went from feared by opposition supporters to laughing stock in those 'lost years', Richmond supporters gained grudging respect from opposition supporters for their unswerving loyalty over that same period. Unfortunately, Richmond supporters are headed for disappointment in 2014, especially if some are expecting a top 4 finish. Richmond had a lucky run with injuries in 2013. They were highly dependent on individuals in 2013 and will remain so in 2014. If Deledio, Cotchin, Martin, Rance, Riewoldt or Maric suffer injuries or poor form in 2014, Richmond don't have any ready-made replacements and will go down in a heap. They just haven't built up the depth yet.

Richmond will make the top 4 2014. Easy draw. Classy young players. Those who state otherwise, are using the past as a reference. ie No idea.

All those who think Richmond will make the finals easily need to think about who's going out from last year and who else is a chance that didnt make it last year. Consider it likely that Haw, Syd, Freo, Coll, Geel will make the 8 with so much talent on their lists. PA may struggle to back it up from last year but will be thereabouts. Then you have Essendon, Carlton North Melbourne - all of whom will have justifiable claims over the Tigers. Throw in an improving GC, a WC that dont go bad two years running and even a Brisbane who look like theyve turned the corner in the latter part of last year could be anywhere from 8-12th, and the Doggies will win a few surprise games. Yes I agree the Tigers will struggle to get near the finals in 2014 and need an absolute dream run with injuries coupled with crucial injuries and bad luck to opposition clubs when the play them.

I think they are a few years off from the flag, but they should aim to win a final in 2014. Having won a grand total of 1 final since 1995 I think. Great side but you dont usually win a flag before you can win a final. The great thing is they've been so poor if they come 6th their supporters will think thats great

Agreed. Just why Mastermind is an AFL 'guru' escapes me. This crucial first game fixation he has, is ridiculous. All the other, cheap shots from other teams' supporters, I fully expected, but seeing MM join in, is simply insulting.

With all due respect, mastermind - you've got no idea. First of all, you're basing the season on 1 game. Round 1 at Metricon - a tough trip, but there will be no better time to play the suns. Even if Richmond lose, your crystal balling is completely preposterous. It's ONE GAME, in a 22 game season. Comparing Richmond to St Kilda just rubber stumps the sheer idiocy of your comment. The list profiles are completely different, the recent history of the teams is completely different and the state of calm/flux at either club couldn't be any different. I expect, with the favourable draw and a lack of injuries, that Richmond will make top 4 this season. The only roadblock will be injuries to key players such as Cotchin, Martin, Deledio, Riewoldt or Rance or a spate to peripheral players like Vlastuin, Ellis, Conca, Grigg and Houli. Just listing those names should make you realise that the Richmond list is in a very healthy state.

Richmond won five flags in 15 years not six. Won in 1967-69-73-74-80 and were runners-up in 1972 and 82.

I was a bit confused with the reference to 1982 and 2013 and thirty three years without success. I assume it was an oversight. Mastermind 5991 might had hit the nail on the head with his obervation that round one could be make or break.

2013 will be remembered as 'the final Richmond had to have'. All the more fitting haven been beaten by 9th place. Its back to form in 2014 im afraid.

"For years Richmond have been the laughing stock of the AFL, having only playing in a handful of finals since 1982" and I look forward to 2014 being more of the same. Richmond are at least consistent over the years in failing when any expectations are placed on them

+1

Unfortunately, I can't see Richmond backing up its 2013 with another finals series. To me, the outcome of the season will all come down to its first round, away trip to the Gold Coast where they will face the Suns. Richmond (I believe) is the only team with a losing record (33%) against the Suns, and I can see the Suns getting better and better this year. If the Tigers can't beat the Suns, then it'll set them up for a poor season, just like what happened to St Kilda this year. Sorry Tigers supporters, but that's my forecast for 2014.