Before Damian Hardwick’s arrival twelve years ago, the Richmond Tigers were continuously bewildered and lost for true identity, trying to keep their head above water and remaining relevant amongst their competitors.
Since 1994, the club had finished 9th on the ladder six times and missed a top-eight berth on 14 occasions.
Mediocrity was an obvious reality for Richmond and a need to navigate out of it and plan for a future their loyal supporters and members could finally be proud of was desperate.
Hardwick, a former player known for his toughness and tenacity, was targeted by the board as the right man to pull the yellow and black out of the doldrums.
Damien Hardwick (Photo by Graham Denholm/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Successfully implementing ideas and an overall project takes considerable time in any sport. Luckily in Hardwick’s case, influential people at the top, including Executive Director Brendon Gale, recognised the vision for the club’s future and stuck with their coach after a few disappointing seasons.
37 years of heartache came to a remarkable halt, as the Tigers added their eleventh premiership to their cabinet in 2017. That year, they set the standard for the rest of the league to follow.
What did that identity look like? Explosive, fast-paced, intense, and endless pressure would be polished off by incredible talent to convert the hard work off the ball, into goal scoring chances.
This incredible dominance would be continued when the club won back-to-back flags in 2019 and 2020, creating one of the most compelling dynasties the AFL has ever witnessed.
Richmond’s talisman was Dustin Martin who would deservedly grab all of the headlines. Defensively they would produce a masterclass week after week by forcing quick turnovers from the opposition.
Team unity has always been the most admirable strength of Hardwick’s sides, but the most important area for their recent success has been through the midfield; the catalyst for the well-oiled machine that Richmond was in transition. That intensity and pressure we have all come to admire flowed seamlessly along with quick combination play.
Last year was nothing short of an underwhelming campaign by the Tigers considering their high expectations, compounded by their failure to make a finals appearance the year before and resulting in one question lingering on everyone’s mind – Has Richmond’s dynasty come to an end?
One of the biggest problems over the past couple of years that Hardwick has had to solve was his team being second-best around the contest, resulting in losing the clearance battles which had them struggling to assert themselves throughout matches.
Toby Nankervis and Ivan Soldo have been the go-to options in the ruck in seasons past, but one player who would be unknown to many is 23-year-old Mate Colina.
Toby Nankervis and Dustin Martin celebrate. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)
Standing at 213cm tall, the former basketball college product has his sights set on making his debut this season and challenging for the ruck position. The signs have looked positive throughout pre-season as Colina gains fitness, experience and form.
The additions of Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper from the GWS Giants add a new dimension for Hardwick to work with. It’s no secret that Richmond is not getting any younger, and those two players will provide the fresh legs necessary to rediscover some of that lost intensity and work rate which has recently gone astray. Above all, it paves the way for the forwards to play more aggressively.
An ageing squad can be a negative, but on the contrary, experience could prove even more vital for a team that understands what it takes to go all the way in September.
A tough first six rounds could well slow down momentum and force the Tigers to play unwanted catch-up. Yet if they can navigate around that, there is every chance of Punt Road coming to life in September, as the Richmond Tigers make another tilt at the flag.
Mickytiger
Roar Rookie
I aggree re the mix of youth and experience. Not sure why we have been labelled as an aging squad.
bagley
Roar Rookie
Taranto and hopper kinda reminds me of Hawthorn getting Mitchell and O'Meara, Clarco got rid of the old midfeilders, Hardwick hasn't, will be interesting to see if it works.
Milo
Roar Rookie
Some glaring factors means unfortunately the Tiges struggle this year. Their defence is weak. We have no backs to stand big forwards as Astbury has never really been replaced. Tarrant is not the answer he is well past his prime and if still at the Roos, Clarkson wouldve already finished him. Gibcus may be, but he's nowhere near it yet and while Miller is tall he is a ruck rather than a defender. Balta is probably more suited to an athletic wing (remember Richo?) as he still needs a lot of work defensively. Our defensive skills all over the ground are haphazard and frankly we dont put enough pressure on the ball carrier meaning accurate delivery into an already weak backline will be increased. I fear we may have some big points kicked on us this year. The answer really lies in persisting with some good young players that continually get overlooked for senior positions.
Christian Montegan
Roar Pro
The first six games will offer a good indication. At the same time though, it’s normal for teams to grow into the season and having to play some top quality opposition in the first six rounds won’t really tell the whole story. A fair judgement can be made at seasons end
Bangkokpussey
Roar Rookie
Round six should see where Richmond are in the scheme of things after they have played Melbourne. By then they will have played some of the better teams. I dont think anyone should be picking favourites just yet. Generally most teams improve. The question is how much more have they improved than the teams above them.
Teuton
Roar Rookie
Brisbane broke open a clumsy looking Geelong (albeit short some quality in the forward line). Yeah, the 'kid' didn't miss a beat on debut. One to watch.
Mark
Guest
Agree with article and as a number have posted on here if we had won say 50:50 of those small losses last year we would have been top 4. This is what Hardwick has been training on this pre-season how to stop these losses. I personally think Colina is not gong to make it, watching the last few rounds of last season's ressies, he has'nt got a football brain to go with his height. Ryan is the more likely. I also think you may see the young bloke Bradtke become a very good forward. Big tall lead up forward and he was quite conspicusous in the pre-season game against North. There is also Bauer, ex Swans academy, and a young bloke Tyler Young both talls who we may see some of this year. I would say Brisbane are also a team which could challenge for the Premiership, I think change in captain from Zorko who face it is'nt really captain material, and this Ashcroft kid who looks pretty good could see them improve. They've lost nothing losing a muppet like McStay
Christian Montegan
Roar Pro
No doubt the Tigers were definitely unlucky last season, but on the flip side you also have to ask why were Richmond in those positions to begin with? The 2017-2020 version would wipe the floor with those kind of lower opposition and not give them a sniff. Teams like that can’t go into this year having the confidence and belief that they stand a chance
Christian Montegan
Roar Pro
I’m with you in that I can’t see anyone other than Geelong Melbourne or Richmond winning the flag this year. The way your defence has carried itself without the presence of Alex Rance has been a testament to the talent and depth available to Hardwick
xeno
Roar Rookie
Balta missed most of last season and Grimes the back end, so will be a huge bonus this year if they can stay fit. Vlastuin also missed a number of games, and is our best rebound defender. Gibcus is still 19 and developing, will be a great player in the future. The back 6, if they can stay fit/healthy, will be as good as it was in 2017-2020. Last year we lost at least 6 games by less than a goal. We had NO luck at all and would definitely have made top 4 despite all the injuries (didn't include Martin in that!). Season is looking good, without jinxing us we should finish top 4. Only teams we'd be worried about are Geelong obviously and Melbourne. None of the others. Go Tiges!
xeno
Roar Rookie
While 2022 wasn't a successful year for the Tigers, they lost at least half a dozen games by less than a goal, and that includes losses to N Melb and Gold Coast after the siren. Also should've beaten Geelong at the G late in the season. With a bit more luck they could've finished top 4, easily. The inclusion of the 2 GWS players, together with the growing number of promising youngsters (Sonsie, Cumberland, Ralphsmith, Maurice, Gibcus, etc) puts us in good stead for 2023....and beyond. Many of the old legion who won us the 3 flags have retired, and Cotchin and Jack will soon follow, but the rest of the team is still developing. It's difficult to even pick our best 22, such is the depth we now have. Tiger fans are definitely looking forward to 2023, with some better luck and fewer injuries, there aren't many clubs we can't beat.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Martin is a tremendous player let’s hope he can rekindle the dash of pre Covid days & stamp his mark on the game. Without his trademark dash & bash your team will fall in that 6th- 10th range. Wait a minute l just got a clip over the ear by the tigress :stoked:
Mark
Roar Rookie
Tigers took 5 very talented players under pick 30 in the 2021 draft. Do a bit of research and have a look at them. Along with Taranto and Hopper we have another handy "recruit" whose had a great pre-season and is ready to fire.....a bloke called Dustin Martin!
DingoGray
Roar Guru
They are an interesting one. Plenty of the Richmond faithful keep telling us about these kids they have.... but a lot of who watch as much AFL as them probably don't share the same positivity. In Taranto and Hopper, good players, and I'm sure improve the Tigers team. My question mark is in discussion i've hard around how they are going to use Taranto- talk i've seen is that they are going to play him as an out and out midfielder. I actually think that is not his best position. I think the times he rest in the forward line he was always a really tough match up. The one area I think the Tigers need help in, is the back six. I don't think they've done anything to resolve this issue. And with Gibscus & Balta pre-season injury concerns and the fact Tarrant not getting younger, I expect the Tigers to be pushing the 7-10 ladder rung, but ultimately not a big player in the last couple of weeks of the season.
Christian Montegan
Roar Pro
The fact that Richmond have kept hold of Dusty along with his own willingness to stay and try to work towards getting back to his best is a good indication that there’s something left in the tank both physically and emotionally. Would be a great story if he’s able to have an incredible year
Christian Montegan
Roar Pro
For me Tarrant’s best days are behind him but he obviously provides that extra bit of experience for players such as Balta who are significantly growing in confidence and ability. If Tarrant is asked to play a significant role then it could pose a few question marks
Mark
Roar Rookie
I think Samson Ryan, a very exciting young Ruck/Forward, who stands at 206cm, is very mobile, in his 3rd year at the Club, is developing very nicely is probably ahead of Colina and will play games this season. He is symbolic of the depth of young talent at Richmond that those on the outside just don't see. 2022 was a much better Season than it appeared to be and I firmly believe that had the Tigers not been robbed of their Elimination Final victory by the AFL (you're in our sights Brad Scott) they would have played (and beaten) the Cats in an epic Prelim. (Because the Cats are our Finals Bunnies) If there is a weakness, it may be that we lack possibly one key tall defender, with options currently comprising of Grimes, Balta, Tarrant, Gibcus, Broad & Miller. I'm not convinced that Tarrant is the player he once was and Broad has never been required to stand the oppositions best tall forwards which leaves that task to Grimes, Gibcus, Balta & Miller. The latter 3 are talented and will be mainstays in defence for the next decade, but are they ready for the task this year? Hopefully. The amazing mix of youth and experience at Tigerland, however, is what will go along way to potentially delivering yet another Premiership in 2023.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Watched quite a few Tiger games live at the end of H&A season & noticed Two things ; they lost some grunt in the middle hopefully corrected but not convinced with the addition of the two orange freaks & the HF line was a tad meek. If they can correct both these issues & Martin gets back to his best footy the Tigers will roar back into contention :thumbup: