The reigning premiers have been the powerhouse of the AFL for the last four or five years.
From all their successes of their premierships years, 2021 has been their worst start for some time and it poses the question as to whether or not the Tigers are still at that flag-winning level.
Last Friday, against the Cats, the Tigers played an appalling second half in which they managed just two goals to the 13 of the Cats.
The Richmond side that we know all too well were out in full force early in the game, but the night was quickly flipped on its head as Geelong began to flex their muscles.
It’s difficult to pinpoint particular areas of improvement after such a smashing but it was obvious that there was a lack of hunger in the contest, particularly from the Richmond midfield.
The absence of skipper Trent Cotchin may be part of the reason for this as he is often ferocious at the contest and inspires his teammates, especially the rest of the midfield group playing alongside him.
Dustin Martin was nowhere near his triple Norm Smith best as he almost seemed intimidated by the Cats’ midfield, which was dominating the contest as the second half progressed.
(Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Key forwards Tom Lynch and Jack Riewoldt were nowhere to be seen and were consistently beaten in one-on-one contests by the likes of Jack Henry and Lachie Henderson.
The back six for the Tigers looked as stable as always early in the piece but as the game unfolded, Tom Hawkins, Jeremy Cameron and Gary Rohan all found their form to each kick bags.
So what’s next for the reigning premiers? They’ve got an inconsistent Giants outfit ahead of them. The Giants only sit one spot below them on the ladder. GWS are coming off a huge win against the Crows as well as a thrilling two-point win over the Bombers last week.
Tim Taranto, Josh Kelly and Tom Green have all been dangerous, amassing many disposals between them as well as hitting the scoreboard. Under the roof of Marvel Stadium, where the Tigers aren’t as comfortable as they are at the G, it shapes to be an intriguing contest.
Richmond fans would be wondering about the line-up changes for Saturday night’s game. Shane Edwards’ injury from the Geelong game means the Tigers will have to search for yet another replacement on top of Shai Bolton.
After suffering a concussion of sorts against the Bulldogs, Dylan Grimes should return for the GWS game, bolstering the back line. There is a good chance that Rhyan Mansell may be dropped after not having a huge impact last week and Pat Naish might be a chance to finally get on the field after spending the Tigers’ last two games as the medical sub.
Dan Rioli is apparently expected to play, despite the nightclub incident, and Will Martyn and Hugo Ralphsmith are reported to have played good games in the VFL before the side had a bye last weekend.
Who will Damien Hardwick select? (Photo by Graham Denholm/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
The Tigers’ next month consists of GWS, Brisbane, Adelaide and Essendon. Being a top side for so long, they are all extremely winnable games for Richmond.
The Brisbane game will be up at the Gabba on a Friday night. That will be a massive clash as the Lions continue to bang down the door of the top four and the Tigers will seek revenge after the Lions well and truly beat them in the qualifying final last year.
With a record of 4-4, Damien Hardwick has voiced that he is backing his boys for a response this week as they continue to strive for the consistency that they’ve lacked for the first eight rounds of this 2021 season.
We thought the old Richmond was back after responses against the Saints and Bulldogs but we’re yet to be fully convinced.
We know flags aren’t won in May, but is the dynasty coming to a close?
O M
Roar Rookie
I reckon this is his last year Yatz.
Bangkokpussey
Roar Rookie
An uninjured Danger. He gets a lot more hard balls than Dusty.
RT
Roar Rookie
Who would you have in a Grand Final?
O M
Roar Rookie
Don-Facts don't count.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
If the comnent is so "deadbeat" you'd be able to argue against it. Is name-calling all you have? The facts are indisputable. Richmond has a lighter injury load than most. I even listed them. Do you read?
A
Roar Rookie
This is a deadbeat comment if I have ever seen one. Then again, from what I have seen on this forum you are loaded with stupidity and ready to type it out for all to see.
1dog
Roar Rookie
Demise of Dynasty.... better title?
Peter Warrington
Guest
Bad Timing. Great, dark little film.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
End of Dynasty.... Not winning a flag in one individual year is clarified as end of a Dynasty is it? No Richmond won't win the flag this season, but will still play Finals Footy.
1dog
Roar Rookie
A bit sensitive there. You owe Gatto an apology, it’s abusive to call another poster a fraud.
Bangkokpussey
Roar Rookie
Just part of Richmonds success. A team is only as good as its' last premiership. I remember when Geelong were in the zone there was constant talk and speculation about who was good enough to beat them, and then the same also with Hawthorn. Then there were the constant prediction about Geelongs eventual fall down the ladder. Now no one talks about Hawthorns threepeat, only about how long it will take them to get into the eight and contend for a premiership again. Past glories become history and the only talk becomes how long to the next premiership, in a game where sadly, one game a year appears to be the only measure of a teams success that many find relevant.
1dog
Roar Rookie
For sure! I love having friends. I’m not sure the other guy has any in Real life though
Gerry
Roar Rookie
With all Their best players back and firing I would say Richmond dynasty is alive and well. Having said that with all Eagles best players back and firing they would be a force too. In a fantasy world if all the teams had their best players firing and fit do you think the results would be different? A fair bet to say they would. Long way to go yet. Come finals we can then make an accurate assessment of where every team is at.
Peter Warrington
Guest
Bright Eyes... he wanted to be an actor I think, he was great on Catch 22 but I really liked him in that obscure Nicholas Roeg thing set in Austria, 198o I think it was?
O M
Roar Rookie
You’re a fraud and I know who you are. Stalkers are not tolerated here. Keep doing it and I will report you. Goodbye.
1dog
Roar Rookie
It would be great if the Roar add a Block feature. Then we wouldn’t have to see certain posters posts :thumbup:
Gatto Nero
Roar Rookie
Why do you want Svens approval? You have offended me and my son. I am surprised this site allows the behaviour. Not trying to drive a wedge, but it is only football. Not World War III.
O M
Roar Rookie
He’s another ring in sven….probably the usual mutt with his 15th identity. He’s gives himself away pretty quickly. oh well.
Gatto Nero
Roar Rookie
Report me. You tricked me good. My name is not Black Cat. Others such as Sven, told me to steer clear. Please leave me alone. My son was right.
O M
Roar Rookie
Listen "Black Cat" or whoever you are.....continue stalking me and I'll report you.