If five years ago you had suggested Richmond would one day be mentioned in the same sentence as the great dynasties of the AFL era – Brisbane, Geelong and Hawthorn – you would have been laughed out of whatever room or even building you were in.
But on the eve of the 2020 season, these Tigers have the opportunity to immortalise themselves in that group.
Already the resume is impressive: two flags sandwiching a minor premiership, six finals series in seven years, two Brownlow medallists, a multiple-time Coleman medallist, at least five future hall of famers (including coach Damien Hardwick) and a truckload of All Australian selections.
Those elimination final failures of 2013-15 are now but a memory, growing pains on the way to greatness. The terrible Ninthmond jokes buried under a mountain of premiership medals.
In perhaps the truest testament to sporting success, what was once a likeable, endearing, long-suffering supporter base has become a bloated, arrogant, entitled horde the likes of which even Collingwood and West Coast would envy.
(Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
In terms of talent, they’ll probably never be held in the regard of those almighty Lions or Cats sides, but the results are the results, and a third flag would deservingly award them dynasty status – and back-to-back premierships would give them something those Cats never achieved.
However the names may stack up on paper when compared to those powerhouse sides of what was a 16-team competition, these Tigers certainly have enough ability to defend their title.
Dustin Martin will feature at the very pointy end of The Roar’s Top 50 in coming weeks.
Tom Lynch and Jack Riewoldt are a frightening key forward combination backed by a fleet of dangerous and disciplined small and medium forwards.
The defence is stable, experienced, capable and connected, and Nick Vlastuin, Dylan Grimes, Big Game Bachar Houli and co. have already proven they can stand up without the retired Alex Rance.
Dion Prestia, Trent Cotchin, Kane Lambert and Shane Edwards are the core of a deep and versatile midfield.
There’s even scope for improvement with the likes of Sydney Stack, Marlion Pickett, Patrick Naish, Jack Higgins and Liam Baker still in the very early stages of their careers.
And there’s plenty of excitement about big-bodied midfielder Riley Collier-Dawkins, who will almost certainly debut this season – the Tigers are the competition’s 11th oldest list, which is not the profile you’d expect of a team chasing a third flag in four years.
Their coach is confident and their game style has shown it can stand up when it matters.
Things can change quickly in footy, but for now everything at Punt Road seems to be humming both on and off the field – bookies unsurprisingly have them as the team to beat.
Regardless of how this season unfolds, Richmond’s lasting legacy could be one of hope.
Much like the Swans of the past two decades have left their ugly duckling image in the past, the Tigers are an example for long-suffering clubs such as the Saints, Dockers and Demons that you can rewrite your story – and in a hurry – if things come together at the right time.
Maybe yellow and black army will continue to rule, or maybe it’s the right time for someone else to rewrite their story.
Bangkokpussey
Roar Rookie
I could agree if we played there as many times as Richmond plays at the Gee.
sven
Roar Rookie
interesting point there thaicat, which players at geelong are actually locals ? danger i think is from moggs creek so in the area but not quite geelong, stevens is a lorne boy so again the same deal. stewart is from down that way i think ? who else fits in that category (genuine question btw) ? cant agree that the tiges get any more home ground advantage than anyone else (except that the granny is played at our home ground, same deal for all the other mcg tenants), actually reckon some teams have a more pronounced home ground advantage (geelong for one).
Bangkokpussey
Roar Rookie
Richmond have played some great football and deserve their wins. Despite the huge advantage of the number of games they get at their home ground the reality is the MCG is where you have to win. The hubris from some will disappear when the success does as it surely will. Nothing is forever. I am not quite sure of the Geelong envy over 3 years of a game Geelong has been playing for over 160 years. The only team with a true home town feel where many of the players actually come from the town that they play for. The rest are just like companies they represent their town in name only. Most players would need a GPS to get to the town they play for when they first start. Even their home town grounds are training grounds at best. Geelong are still the real deal and are the last of the real home town teams. We envy no one.
Michael44
Roar Rookie
Peter,I just don't think that Mark McGough is a good example. What do Collingwood fans think of Mark McGough? I think he was a good player who achieved more in the game than most of us here will ever achieve. But, what would Collingwood fans think of Mark if that 2002 Anzac Day game had actually been the 2002 Grand Final with Collingwood winning it. I think you should just be giving some credit where it's due,even if you don't totally agree with me,Realist,and others. Cmon Pete,not a bad effort by the Tiges and Marlion surely?
Michael44
Roar Rookie
Yep Realist. Sometimes fans of other teams should just give credit where it's due when something well done is achieved by another club.
Michael44
Roar Rookie
I'm sorry Peter. I misread your post. I still think you are still wrong though. Stangely enough,the other Richmond players were also apparently playing against "witches hats", and yet few of them did as well as marlion Pickett. Mind you,he made a couple of GWS players look like witches hats in the 2nd quarter.
Realist
Guest
@Pts 1. Those witches hats you talk about are the very same ones that spanked Collingwood in the Prelim. 2. You've never seen him play by your own admission so therefore anything you say about Pickett is totally uninformed. Your credibility is now shredded and it's only February. He was BOG in the VFL GF and 3rd BOG in an AFL GF. Just give the guy the credit he deserves because you're starting to sound like one of those that booed Goodes out of the game. We could have swapped any player for your redneck Sam Newman and still won. We were that good as a Team. (Will be even better this year). Time you looked the mirror Pts.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
I haven’t even seen him play and predict he will be dropped to the magoos at least once in season.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Never said the Tigers didn’t deserve the flag, in fact said the opposite . I said Pickett has played one good senior game against witches hats and they could have played Sam Newman in his spot and still won by 80. How anyone can call him the next big thing or incredible recruiting on one senior game is mind boggling. Google Mark McGough.
Michael44
Roar Rookie
It does seem to be that way Realist. Richmond deserved to win the 2019 premiership "witches hats" or no 'witches hats".
Michael44
Roar Rookie
One winning grand final where he was in the best players on the ground and who was picked up in the 2019 ROOKIE draft at number 12. That is good enough for me no matter how many times you tell me I'm wrong.
AxeMaster
Roar Rookie
I saw something on Fox Footy where they showed the Ladder after round 15 last year and Richmond were 10th which I found quite perplexing. They went on to win the premiership and as a Hawthorn supporter I must admit that it's very impressive for them to have done that from 10th. Very good effort.
David C
Roar Rookie
Last year they were crippled by injuries in the first half of the season, that's not really a charmed run.
Realist
Guest
Blind Jealousy its called! :laughing:
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
How do you know it’s great recruiting from one game?
RT
Roar Rookie
You should if you want to be clear and accurate.
spook
Roar Rookie
It was rubbish, is what it was.
spook
Roar Rookie
Gastro.
spook
Roar Rookie
None of those teams had free agency to extend their windows. Richmond added the best key forward in the game to the best team in the game.
spook
Roar Rookie
Already declared he will play for no one but Richmond. Very happy and settled in Melbourne. 99 games to go and we'll have claims on his sons - #2 looks very talented.