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After three straight elimination final losses, the Tigers have high expectations for this season.
Richmond have consistently beaten top-four teams, but consistency and pressure seem to get to them.
Will this year be any different?
Defence
Richmond ranked fifth-least in opponent points per game (behind Hawthorn, Fremantle, West Coast and Sydney) last season, led by the best defender in the game, Alex Rance.
The Tigers’ small defenders weren’t an issue, with Nick Vlastuin, Bachar Houli and Dylan Grimes having exceptional seasons, but many supporters would like to see the back of Troy Chaplin.
David Astbury and Todd Elton are both promising youngsters, while the inclusion of Chris Yarran should see the removal of Taylor Hunt.
Midfield
With genuine stars but lacking depth, the Tigers will hope off-season acquisitions Andrew Moore and Jacob Townsend add grunt and build their midfield clearance numbers.
Captain Trent Cotchin leads the midfield group, with Dustin Martin, Brandon Ellis and Anthony Miles. Miles is a criminally underrated player, ranked 12th in contested possessions and clearances in the league last season. Brett Deledio and Shane Edwards both push through, while players like Reece Conca, Kamdyn McIntosh, Corey Ellis, Kane Lambert and Ben Lennon need to stand up.
Forwards
Two-time Coleman medallist Jack Reiwoldt had a career-best season last year, and is in his prime. Second tall Tyrone Vickery is set for a breakout year if he can avoid suspension. After kicking 31 goals from 15 games last year, the Tigers are expecting a 50-goal season from him.
Deledio and Shane Edwards are two of the best half forwards in the game and will continue to play great football in 2016.
The main issue is in small forward stocks, and a third tall. Nathan Gordon and Sam Lioyd were both in the team at stages last year, but they won’t be a part of a premiership team. Ben Griffiths has loads of potential but injuries and inconsistency hurt his development – he and new draftee Daniel Rioli have big roles to play this year.
Rucks
Ivan Maric was slowing down last year, yet is still their number one ruckman. Shaun Hampson is just not a good footballer, and Liam McBean seems too skinny to come in.
If Maric goes down, the Tigers are in strife.
Predicted finish
Fourth
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