Third Ring
6 Jan 2004, 10:44
I thought I'd try and see some of the thoughts on players from previous years...Here's something from tigerfury on 2001:
TigerTank's 2001 Player Reviews
1) Rory Hilton
: You know those cheap firecrackers that launch with a bang, whiz around a lot then fizz out. They could easily be named : Rorys after this year. Hilton looked like the answer to all Richmond's problems in the middle before losing focus and form. Proved useful in the forward line later in the year but must aim to become first choice in the centre. Needs consistency. (TT's rating 6/10)
2) Darren Gaspar
:
All-Australian for the second year in a row, and now arguably the league's best tall defender. Kicking style is as ugly as his hairstyle, but has improved in effectiveness (kicking, not hair). Foundation of the defence. (rating 9/10)
3) Duncan Kellaway:
The Glove remained on guard duty in the middle all year and was rarely beaten. Scalps included Hird, Buckley, and others, and when D version was out injured the Tigers looked pretty loose in the middle. Still a vital cog. (rating 7.5/10)
4) Matthew Rogers
: Not a great year by his standards, and looked far less dangerous with both Ottens and Richardson in the forward line together. Was linked to Adelaide and Port during the trading period but remains on the list. Good enough to return to form. (rating 5/10)
5) Brad Ottens
: How much does it burn the Demons to see Big Bad Brad running around in black and gold? Still lacks consistency, but his good this year has been very, very good. The club should do everything short of selling its soul (ask Carlton about that) to keep this guy at the club forever. (rating 8/10)
6) Mark Chaffey
:
Blew a bit hot and cold in 2001, but on balance was an important player in the backline. Reads the play well, has fairly good disposal and can mind a bloke but doesn't always do all three at once. Now a regular starter though. (rating 7/10)
7) Mark Dragicevic:
Started to really look the goods til struck down by a knee injury. If he picks up where he left off from will be Richmond's top recruit in 2001. (rating 6*/10)
8) Kayne Pettifer
: The whole thing may have gone to Kayne's head. Had a dream start, but found it harder when others began to watch him a bit more closely. Has plenty of skills, just needs to do the hard work required to make the grade. (rating 5/10)
9) Wayne Campbell:
The Barn Owl proved a much better choice as captain than I thought he would, and the responsibility appears to have made him a better footballer too. Appeared to get less of the ball than previously, but more than made up for that by winning more contested possessions. Will never be an enforcer but appears to becoming a much better rounded footballer. (rating 8/10)
10) Nick Daffy:
Poor Duck. Heavy wallet appears to have placed too much pressure on his body which resulted in a string of injuries. Good luck in Sydney, Duck! (rating 2*/10) (Sydney)
11) Joel Bowden:
Played a lot of great games and a few shockers too. Brilliance is dependent on supply, and looked great in the games that Clinton King played well. 2002 form depends on Richmond's ability to win contests in the middle. (rating 8/10)
12) Matthew Richardson:
The Jaguar XJS of the Tiger line-up. Powerful, fast, impressive-looking and completely unreliable. Has an almost unique ability to win games by himself, and an absolutely unique ability to lose games by himself as well. And just when you begin to think he is not worth the trouble he comes out and dominates. (rating 6/10 - the average of 9/10 and 3/10)
14) Aaron Fiora:
Coming along nicely thankyou very much. Has had a few injuries but has that champion look about him. Fremantle said they were a little disappointed they couldn't pick him up in the 2000 draft and he is just about to show why feel that way. (rating 6/10)
15) Leon Cameron:
Everyone knew he was about the best kick in the comp (left AND right), but in 2001 proved he could be a pretty handy defender as well. Value was highlighted by the fact that several sides (including his old club) sacrificed a player to make sure that Cameron was confined to the goal square. Top year. (rating 8/10)
16) Ben Holland:
Mediocre forward becomes reliable defender. Knows how to mark, kick and run, but does not know WHERE to run. No matter! At centre half back he gets the opposition CHF to lead him to the ball. Glad we kept him. (rating 7/10)
17) Paul Broderick:
Deserved one more crack at the finals after a fine career - ironic that his final game would be a final in Brisbane against his old side (well they sort of are : Fitzroy). Good luck in retirement Mr Fashionable. (Retired)(rating 6/10)
18) Pat Steinfort:
Thought this guy had ability. Unlucky with injury and deserved a go. Played enough good games in the VFL to suggest he might be worth a punt in the draft. (delisted) (rating 2*/10)
19) Steven Sziller:
Many opposition fans laughed at the Tigers for picking this untidy scragger with less-than-stunning skills in the draft. Laughter turned to outrage when he scragged many opposition midfielders out of the game. Proved a handy replacement for the injured Kellaway (D version), and then found a niche coming off the bench to tag opposition runners at the end of each quarter. If he can get away with the same in 2002 he will continue to be valuable. (rating 7/10)
20) Ray Hall:
Tall and fast, what else do you need? Well, ability and consistency helps. Hall hasn't much of the latter yet but he showed enough to suggest he has a little of the former. If he can continue on the same improvement curve he will be a very good footballer. If(rating 6/10)
21) Clinton King:
Another useful year from CKT (Clinton King Theory). Not the most skilful in-and-under in the league, but the only one we have at the moment, and by geez he makes a difference to the games of Bowden and Tivendale in particular. Disposal can be erratic but wins the hard ball, so must be forgiven. (rating 7/10)
22) Craig Biddescombe:
Cemented his spot in the team before a knee injury. Good kick and is useful for minding the 3rd or 4th best forward. Still believe there is a place for him in the 22. (rating 5*/10)
23) Aaron James:
Didn't get a chance in 2001 which makes me wonder why they didn't delist him after his knee injury at the end of 2000. Perhaps a trifle unlucky. (rating 1*/10) (delisted)
24) Mark Coughlin:
Sensational for Coburg, but finding it tough to adapt to the pace of AFL. Has time on his side and Coburg watchers say he is excellent in traffic and should make the grade. I sincerely hope so! (rating 2/10)
25) Brendon Gale:
After a somewhat inauspicious start, has had a champion career, first as centre-half forward then as first ruck. Always a stalwart, who made up for his lack of pace with an ability to be where the ball was going anyway. Good luck in retirement big fella - you've earnt it. (rating 7/10) (retired)
26) Ezra Poyas:
Was on the cusp of senior selection every week and tied for the Liston Medal with an at times lone hand in for Coburg. The poor bloke looks like Peter Matera, and with luck may eventually play a little like him too. (rating 4/10)
27) Andrew Krakouer:
Showed his family's magic in his debut against Essendon, but is probably a bit raw and will take a while to develop. Must become consistent in the reserves before he can become consistent in the seniors. (rating 3/10)
28) Scott Homewood:
Became an important player for Coburg but is yet to make it to senior level. Tall and reasonably mobile, he is one that could possibly make it given a little patience. (rating 3/10)
29) Jason Torney:
Becoming one of the Club's better minders of small forwards and is also improving the attacking side of his game. One of the more consistent players in what is regrettably one of the less consistent teams. (rating 7/10)
30) David Bourke:
Now who are we going to blame? What are you up to next year, Huddo? Really not quite as bad as most Richmond supporters said he was even though he looks fairly ridiculous. Doesn't do anything brilliantly but can pinch-hit in almost any role. You'd hate having to rely on him though. (rating 4/10) (Kangaroos)
31) Chris Hyde:
Must confess I know stuff-all about him. Delisted anyway (rating 2?/10) (delisted)
32) Greg Tivendale:
You know you don't have to kick the cover off it every time, son? Along with Rory is one of the more frustrating players at the club. Not consistent but is getting better, and when it all comes together on that left foot - boom! (rating 6.5/10)
33) Matthew Knights:
Age hath wearied him. Those elusive turns onto the left foot ain't so elusive any more. Give him space and time and he is still one of the more damaging players in the competition, but the opposition is getting cleverer. Hopefully can extend his already mighty career with some good work in the forward line ala Brodders. (rating 6/10)
34) Andrew Mills:
Has shown glimpses, and may yet make it, but would need to do something special in 2002 to stay on board I'd say. (rating 3/10)
35) Chris Newman:
Hasn't set the world on fire yet, even for Coburg, but was serviceable there and has been given another chance. (rating 2/10)
36) Ty Zantuck:
Looks a tough, willing type but doesn't get enough of the ball yet. I really hope he develops because the club needs a crash-through midfielder desperately. (rating 3/10)
38) Ben Haynes:
Given a couple of chances at senior level but didn't make a mark. (rating 1/10) (delisted)
39) Andrew Kellaway:
Not as good as 2000, but still did the job week-in, week-out. With Holland's good work at centre half back, A version is now playing on the 3rd tall forward, a job he is perhaps over-qualified for. Still, what a problem to have! (rating 6.5/10)
40) Lionel Proctor:
Perhaps a bit too small for AFL football. Never looked strong enough against the big boys. (rating 1/10) (delisted)
41) Royce Vardy:
With no injuries to key defenders Gaspar, Kellaway (A) and Holland, little for Vardy to do except run around Coburg Oval. Probably good enough, and a handy back-up at any rate. (rating 2/10)
* injured for much of the year.
TigerTank's 2001 Player Reviews
1) Rory Hilton
: You know those cheap firecrackers that launch with a bang, whiz around a lot then fizz out. They could easily be named : Rorys after this year. Hilton looked like the answer to all Richmond's problems in the middle before losing focus and form. Proved useful in the forward line later in the year but must aim to become first choice in the centre. Needs consistency. (TT's rating 6/10)
2) Darren Gaspar
:
All-Australian for the second year in a row, and now arguably the league's best tall defender. Kicking style is as ugly as his hairstyle, but has improved in effectiveness (kicking, not hair). Foundation of the defence. (rating 9/10)
3) Duncan Kellaway:
The Glove remained on guard duty in the middle all year and was rarely beaten. Scalps included Hird, Buckley, and others, and when D version was out injured the Tigers looked pretty loose in the middle. Still a vital cog. (rating 7.5/10)
4) Matthew Rogers
: Not a great year by his standards, and looked far less dangerous with both Ottens and Richardson in the forward line together. Was linked to Adelaide and Port during the trading period but remains on the list. Good enough to return to form. (rating 5/10)
5) Brad Ottens
: How much does it burn the Demons to see Big Bad Brad running around in black and gold? Still lacks consistency, but his good this year has been very, very good. The club should do everything short of selling its soul (ask Carlton about that) to keep this guy at the club forever. (rating 8/10)
6) Mark Chaffey
:
Blew a bit hot and cold in 2001, but on balance was an important player in the backline. Reads the play well, has fairly good disposal and can mind a bloke but doesn't always do all three at once. Now a regular starter though. (rating 7/10)
7) Mark Dragicevic:
Started to really look the goods til struck down by a knee injury. If he picks up where he left off from will be Richmond's top recruit in 2001. (rating 6*/10)
8) Kayne Pettifer
: The whole thing may have gone to Kayne's head. Had a dream start, but found it harder when others began to watch him a bit more closely. Has plenty of skills, just needs to do the hard work required to make the grade. (rating 5/10)
9) Wayne Campbell:
The Barn Owl proved a much better choice as captain than I thought he would, and the responsibility appears to have made him a better footballer too. Appeared to get less of the ball than previously, but more than made up for that by winning more contested possessions. Will never be an enforcer but appears to becoming a much better rounded footballer. (rating 8/10)
10) Nick Daffy:
Poor Duck. Heavy wallet appears to have placed too much pressure on his body which resulted in a string of injuries. Good luck in Sydney, Duck! (rating 2*/10) (Sydney)
11) Joel Bowden:
Played a lot of great games and a few shockers too. Brilliance is dependent on supply, and looked great in the games that Clinton King played well. 2002 form depends on Richmond's ability to win contests in the middle. (rating 8/10)
12) Matthew Richardson:
The Jaguar XJS of the Tiger line-up. Powerful, fast, impressive-looking and completely unreliable. Has an almost unique ability to win games by himself, and an absolutely unique ability to lose games by himself as well. And just when you begin to think he is not worth the trouble he comes out and dominates. (rating 6/10 - the average of 9/10 and 3/10)
14) Aaron Fiora:
Coming along nicely thankyou very much. Has had a few injuries but has that champion look about him. Fremantle said they were a little disappointed they couldn't pick him up in the 2000 draft and he is just about to show why feel that way. (rating 6/10)
15) Leon Cameron:
Everyone knew he was about the best kick in the comp (left AND right), but in 2001 proved he could be a pretty handy defender as well. Value was highlighted by the fact that several sides (including his old club) sacrificed a player to make sure that Cameron was confined to the goal square. Top year. (rating 8/10)
16) Ben Holland:
Mediocre forward becomes reliable defender. Knows how to mark, kick and run, but does not know WHERE to run. No matter! At centre half back he gets the opposition CHF to lead him to the ball. Glad we kept him. (rating 7/10)
17) Paul Broderick:
Deserved one more crack at the finals after a fine career - ironic that his final game would be a final in Brisbane against his old side (well they sort of are : Fitzroy). Good luck in retirement Mr Fashionable. (Retired)(rating 6/10)
18) Pat Steinfort:
Thought this guy had ability. Unlucky with injury and deserved a go. Played enough good games in the VFL to suggest he might be worth a punt in the draft. (delisted) (rating 2*/10)
19) Steven Sziller:
Many opposition fans laughed at the Tigers for picking this untidy scragger with less-than-stunning skills in the draft. Laughter turned to outrage when he scragged many opposition midfielders out of the game. Proved a handy replacement for the injured Kellaway (D version), and then found a niche coming off the bench to tag opposition runners at the end of each quarter. If he can get away with the same in 2002 he will continue to be valuable. (rating 7/10)
20) Ray Hall:
Tall and fast, what else do you need? Well, ability and consistency helps. Hall hasn't much of the latter yet but he showed enough to suggest he has a little of the former. If he can continue on the same improvement curve he will be a very good footballer. If(rating 6/10)
21) Clinton King:
Another useful year from CKT (Clinton King Theory). Not the most skilful in-and-under in the league, but the only one we have at the moment, and by geez he makes a difference to the games of Bowden and Tivendale in particular. Disposal can be erratic but wins the hard ball, so must be forgiven. (rating 7/10)
22) Craig Biddescombe:
Cemented his spot in the team before a knee injury. Good kick and is useful for minding the 3rd or 4th best forward. Still believe there is a place for him in the 22. (rating 5*/10)
23) Aaron James:
Didn't get a chance in 2001 which makes me wonder why they didn't delist him after his knee injury at the end of 2000. Perhaps a trifle unlucky. (rating 1*/10) (delisted)
24) Mark Coughlin:
Sensational for Coburg, but finding it tough to adapt to the pace of AFL. Has time on his side and Coburg watchers say he is excellent in traffic and should make the grade. I sincerely hope so! (rating 2/10)
25) Brendon Gale:
After a somewhat inauspicious start, has had a champion career, first as centre-half forward then as first ruck. Always a stalwart, who made up for his lack of pace with an ability to be where the ball was going anyway. Good luck in retirement big fella - you've earnt it. (rating 7/10) (retired)
26) Ezra Poyas:
Was on the cusp of senior selection every week and tied for the Liston Medal with an at times lone hand in for Coburg. The poor bloke looks like Peter Matera, and with luck may eventually play a little like him too. (rating 4/10)
27) Andrew Krakouer:
Showed his family's magic in his debut against Essendon, but is probably a bit raw and will take a while to develop. Must become consistent in the reserves before he can become consistent in the seniors. (rating 3/10)
28) Scott Homewood:
Became an important player for Coburg but is yet to make it to senior level. Tall and reasonably mobile, he is one that could possibly make it given a little patience. (rating 3/10)
29) Jason Torney:
Becoming one of the Club's better minders of small forwards and is also improving the attacking side of his game. One of the more consistent players in what is regrettably one of the less consistent teams. (rating 7/10)
30) David Bourke:
Now who are we going to blame? What are you up to next year, Huddo? Really not quite as bad as most Richmond supporters said he was even though he looks fairly ridiculous. Doesn't do anything brilliantly but can pinch-hit in almost any role. You'd hate having to rely on him though. (rating 4/10) (Kangaroos)
31) Chris Hyde:
Must confess I know stuff-all about him. Delisted anyway (rating 2?/10) (delisted)
32) Greg Tivendale:
You know you don't have to kick the cover off it every time, son? Along with Rory is one of the more frustrating players at the club. Not consistent but is getting better, and when it all comes together on that left foot - boom! (rating 6.5/10)
33) Matthew Knights:
Age hath wearied him. Those elusive turns onto the left foot ain't so elusive any more. Give him space and time and he is still one of the more damaging players in the competition, but the opposition is getting cleverer. Hopefully can extend his already mighty career with some good work in the forward line ala Brodders. (rating 6/10)
34) Andrew Mills:
Has shown glimpses, and may yet make it, but would need to do something special in 2002 to stay on board I'd say. (rating 3/10)
35) Chris Newman:
Hasn't set the world on fire yet, even for Coburg, but was serviceable there and has been given another chance. (rating 2/10)
36) Ty Zantuck:
Looks a tough, willing type but doesn't get enough of the ball yet. I really hope he develops because the club needs a crash-through midfielder desperately. (rating 3/10)
38) Ben Haynes:
Given a couple of chances at senior level but didn't make a mark. (rating 1/10) (delisted)
39) Andrew Kellaway:
Not as good as 2000, but still did the job week-in, week-out. With Holland's good work at centre half back, A version is now playing on the 3rd tall forward, a job he is perhaps over-qualified for. Still, what a problem to have! (rating 6.5/10)
40) Lionel Proctor:
Perhaps a bit too small for AFL football. Never looked strong enough against the big boys. (rating 1/10) (delisted)
41) Royce Vardy:
With no injuries to key defenders Gaspar, Kellaway (A) and Holland, little for Vardy to do except run around Coburg Oval. Probably good enough, and a handy back-up at any rate. (rating 2/10)
* injured for much of the year.