With Port looking to go a week further than last season, we now move onto the much maligned Richmond who are one of the most unpredictable teams in the league.
Last year
It was a season of halves for the Tigers. They struggled in the first half with only three wins to Round 14, although they had a tough draw.
They finished with a flurry, winning nine on the trot, grabbing eight spot, and sending shivers down the spine of other finalists. The form side of the competition couldn’t replicate their game in the elimination final being demolished by a rampant Port Adelaide. Alex Rance, Dustin Martin, Brett Deledio, and Brandon Ellis all had outstanding seasons while the development of Anthony Miles added depth to the squad.
Next season
The Tigers seem to be one of the most unpredictable teams in the competition, on days looking like world beaters and on others looking like a team low on confidence and direction. The Tigers added former Cat Taylor Hunt providing a ready-made tagging replacement for Daniel Jackson.
If Richmond can find a second tall goal-kicker they could rightly push for a top four spot but Ty Vickery, Ben Griffiths, and Shaun Hampson struggle with consistency and confidence. I have Richmond locked in to finish anywhere between seventh to tenth but providing a team difficult to predict for both opposition clubs and tipsters.
Who to look out for?
Ivan Maric proved to be the heart and soul of Richmond last season with the Tigers struggling early while he sat on the sidelines and then winning nine games in a row when he returned to form.
With only 14 games last season, an injury-free season from the big ruckman could be the catalyst to spiral the Tigers up the ladder. He provides aggression, experience, enthusiasm, and a work-rate that few players can match while also finding a hefty amount of the ball.
Expect the likes of Trent Cotchin, Brandon Ellis, Dustin Martin, and Brett Deledio to grow in confidence with big Ivan hand feeding them in the middle.
Needs a big year
Tyrone Vickery is a heavily scrutinised player who gained more attention after knocking out AFL favourite Dean Cox last season. Vickery has shown glimpses of his ability but struggles with consistency.
His importance to the side is immense providing opposition coaches with something else to think about than sending two or three defenders to Jack Riewoldt and also giving ruck relief. He only managed 14 games in 2014 so the Tigers will be expecting greater consistency and discipline from the big forward this season.
Best 22
FB: Morris, Chaplin, Rance
HB: Vlastuin, Grimes, Houli
C: Ellis, Deledio, Grigg
HF: Martin, Vickery, Miles
FF: Edwards, Riewoldt, Conca
R: Maric, Cotchin, Hunt
I: Newman, Foley, Petterd, Thomas
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