Opinion Richmond Tigers Team of the Decade (2010-2019)

[fightingfury_88]

With another year finishing up shortly and the recent success the club has had I've found myself in a bit of nostalgic mood lately. My thoughts eventually turned to Richmond's recent past and the amazing turnaround the club has had. The club was truly a laughing stock at the turn of the decade but now find themselves as a true powerhouse of the competition. A lot of players contributed to this turnaround and I thought it was worthwhile to try and capture those who I thought were the biggest contributors in a Team of the Decade. This team isn't a team of the best players that have played at Richmond this decade, but instead is an attempt to capture those players who I feel have contributed the most to the club these past 10 years through their performances on field, off field, longevity and leadership. I've also tried to keep the team as close to a traditional team as possible by selecting at least 1 starting ruck, 2 key defenders and 2 key forwards as well as selecting players in a position they played a fair amount of during this decade.

Some of the selections were quite easy to make and there is a definite slant towards the more successful recent years in my team, however there were also some incredibly difficult selections. There will be many who disagree with some of my choices but that is the beauty of doing an exercise like this; I certainly encourage discussion and comments from other posters and if you have the time try to come up with a team of your own. On that note, I present to you my Richmond Tigers Team of the Decade for 2010 to 2019.

Richmond Tigers Team of the Decade: 2010-2019

Dylan Grimes (Back Pocket)
2010-2019
151 games, 3 goals
Premiership (2017, 2019), All Australian (2019)


Pretty easy selection. Has been present for the entire decade and has been a big part of the rise from cellar dwellers to powerhouse. Plays on some of the best opposition forwards in the game and usually wins out. His versatility is a massive asset to the defence; smalls, talls, fast or strong Dylan Grimes has blanketed them all. 151 games played in the decade is a testament to the dedication and hard work he put in after overcoming injury problems early in his career. A member of both the 2017 and 2019 premiership teams is just the icing on the cake.

Alex Rance (Full Back)
2010-2019
185 games, 8 goals
Premiership (2017), Best and Fairest (2015), All Australian (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 (c), 2018)

One of the first picked in the team. An absolute behemoth in defence and arguably the best key defender of his generation. It funny to think that at the beginning of his career the 5 x All Australian was played as a half forward and looked completely out of his depth. Fast forward 10 years and 1 premiership later and Rance is the key defender all other key defenders aspire to. Fast, strong and selfless. Rance has been the general of the Richmond backline for most of this decade and doesn’t look out of place amongst the greatest Richmond defenders of all time.

Chris Newman (Back Pocket) (vc)
2010-2015
114 games, 36 goals
Captain for 60 games (2010-2012)

May not be the most flashy or most celebrated Tiger and ended up with a grand total of 0 finals wins, but Newman led the club through some dark times and did an admiral job. His leadership was underrated by much of the league but it was certainly valued by those within Tigerland. A beautiful left foot kick often set up the play from half back and his long goals from outside 50 were team lifting. It may be hard to remember, but Newman achieved all this after snapping his leg in 2006 – a similar injury that which practically ended Nathan Brown’s career. A remarkable comeback from a remarkable Tiger and certainly deserves his place in this team.

Bachar Houli (Half Back Flank)
2011-2019
181 games, 33 goals
Premiership (2017, 2019), All Australian (2019)

Crossed from Essendon and never looked back. His dashing run and penetrating kick from half back has been a staple of the Richmond defence these past 10 years. At 31 years old you would think his career would be coming to a close but instead 2019 was his best year yet; earning himself All Australian selection and his second premiership medal. Bachar is no stranger to big games either, twice finishing runner up to Dustin Martin in the Norm Smith medal votes on Grand Final day.

David Astbury (Centre Half Back)
2010-2019
129 games, 9 goals
Premiership (2017, 2019)

A bit of a slow burner, Astbury struggled to cement his place in the side in the early parts of this decade before becoming a crucial defensive piece from 2016 onwards. Injuries certainly played a part in slowing Astbury limiting his senior team exposure to the point that he nearly left the club. In a true sliding doors moment Astbury was all set to be traded to Brisbane at the end of the 2015 season before the pin was pulled at the last moment. Five years later Astbury is a 2 time premiership player and a key part of one of the greatest eras in Richmond’s fabled history.

Nick Vlastuin (Half Back Flank)
2013-2019
141 games, 26 goals
Premiership (2017, 2019)

When Vlastuin was drafted at the end of 2012 he was tagged as a future midfield bull and potential captain. Neither has really come to fruition yet but the Tigers couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Instead of being a midfielder, Vlastuin has been a steady hand in the Richmond defence the past 7 years. His leadership and courage is unquestioned with overhead marking a feature of his game. Another member of the 2 x premiership club, Vlastuin was drastically unlucky not to be named All Australian in 2019.

Brandon Ellis (Wing)
2012-2019
176 games, 58 goals
Premiership (2017, 2019)

Probably one of the more maligned Richmond players of the decade, but Ellis definitely deserves his spot in the team of the decade with 176 games and two premierships. Not the most flashy or skilled player you will see, but his work rate up and down the wings and from half back has been a big part of the Richmond resurgence this decade. It’s also worth noting that in perhaps his best season, 2014, Ellis finished runner up in Richmond’s Best and Fairest and found himself on the 40 man squad for the All Australian team.


Trent Cotchin (Centre) (c)
2010-2019
209 games, 114 goals
Premiership (2017, 2019), Brownlow (2012), Best and Fairest (2011, 2012, 2014), All Australian (2012), Captain for 175 Games (2012-2019)

Couldn’t have a Richmond Team of the Decade without the 2 x Premiership Captain, 3 x Best and Fairest and 2012 Brownlow Medal winner. What a 10 years it has been for Cotchin. Early in the decade Trent was the young star of the team and provided some hope for the future amongst all the doom and gloom. Not only was he the star but he was also handed the responsibility of being the full time captain in 2013, a role he has held onto throughout the rest of the decade. The last few years Cotchin’s importance to winning games has lessened somewhat, but his leadership over these premiership years been immense with many now asking the question – Is Trent Cotchin the greatest Richmond captain of all time?


Shaun Grigg (Wing)
2011-2019
171 games, 86 goals
Premiership (2017)

Came across to the club the same year as Bachar Houli and has provided a steady hand for the Tigers for the last 9 years. Never flashy but always consistent, Grigg was a big part of Richmond’s 2017 triumph as he unexpectedly filled the role of 2nd ruck despite standing just 190cm tall. A team player to the end, Grigg retired midway through 2019 which allowed the recruitment of Grand Final debutant Marlion Pickett through the mid-season draft.

 

[fightingfury_88]

Shane Edwards (Half Forward)
2010-2019
208 games, 133 goals
Premiership (2017, 2019), All Australian (2018)

For a while there it looked like Shane Edwards would be forever remembered as an enigma, a player with so much talent and so muck skill yet ultimately unfulfilled. 10-15 possessions most week with flashes of brilliance thrown in that left everyone wanting more. By the end of the decade he’s now recognised as one of the most creative players Richmond have ever had. With sublime vision, quick as lightning hands and agility to match Edwards work has setup many Richmond attacks from a hotly contested situation and provided a huge catalyst to Richmond’s resurgence on the back of the forward handball gameplan. Two premierships and an All Australian nod are just rewards for a player who’s given so much joy to Richmond fans.

Tyrone Vickery (Centre Half Forward)
2010-2016
110 games, 153 goals
5th in B&F (2011), Ian Stewart Medal (2013)

No doubt this was the selection that caused the most headaches to select in the team and perhaps it says more about the other Richmond key forwards than it does Vickery. For a moment I thought about cheating a little and selecting a resting ruck or undersized forward in this position. I also contemplated putting Tom Lynch in this position despite playing just 25 games for the club in this time. Tom’s impact in 1 year was immense and if the team was the best players to play these past 10 years Lynch would be an easy choice; it’s not though and in the end a quick look at the stats these past 10 years reveal there is little doubt that Vickery has had the 2nd biggest contribution as a key forward for Richmond this past decade behind Jack Riewoldt. For several years Vickery provided a solid foil to Jack and 153 goals in this decade is the third most at the club; that’s no small feat and shouldn’t be forgotten. Vickery managed 25 plus goals in a season 4 times and 23 goals in another; this may not sound like much but let’s remember that for most of this time Richmond were average at best and bordering on atrocious at worst. The chop out work in the ruck should also not be underestimated; often putting his body on the line to play 2nd ruck to Ivan Maric.

Brett Deledio (Half Forward)
2010-2016
137 games, 94 goals
All Australian (2012, 2015)

We all know the story of how Deledio left/was traded away from the club at the end of 2016 only for Richmond to become a powerhouse and win the Premiership in 2017 and 2019 but let’s take a moment to recognise the enormous impact Deledio has had for Richmond this decade. Early in the decade he was an elite player of the competition with his speed, superb kicking and field marking allowing him to be a truly premium utility. Forward, midfield or back Deledio could influence a game from anywhere. Richmond relied heavily on Brett in the early 2010’s and on most occasions he delivered. All Australian selection in 2012 and 2015 was a testament to Deledio’s skill and work while at the Tigers and although he lacks a Premiership he’ll still go down as a Tiger great.

Daniel Rioli (Forward Pocket)
2016-2019
77 games, 68 goals
Premiership (2017, 2019)

Still in the early stages of his football career but the impact Rioli has had on Richmond’s forwardline in undeniable. The stats are nothing outrageous, but the forward pressure that Rioli, Castagna and Butler applied formed the basis of a high pressure, swarming forward line that has so often swept opposition teams away. Like most Rioli’s he seems built for the big stage, with perhaps his greatest performance coming in the 2017 Preliminary Final win over GWS; 14 disposals, 4 goals and 6 tackles in a dominant performance.

Jack Riewoldt (Full Forward)
2010-2019
216 games, 574 goals
Premiership (2017, 2019), Best and Fairest (2010, 2018), All Australian (2010, 2015, 2018), Coleman Medal (2010, 2012, 2018)

Easy decision and one of the first picked in the team. 574 goals in this decade are by far and away the most at Richmond and the second most in all the AFL. Incredibly consistent and durable, Riewoldt has been the spearhead of the Richmond attack for the entire decade after taking the reins from Matthew Richardson. At times Jack’s attitude and leadership have been questioned, but now you can count these qualities as another strength of his. So much so that Jack has been vice-captain and a fantastic leader at the club for 2 premiership years. One of the most deserving premiership players at the club, Jack will leave a huge hole at the club when he eventually retires in the coming years.

Jason Castagna (Forward Pocket)
2015-2019
76 games, 81 goals
Premiership (2017, 2019)

Perhaps the unlikeliest of all the dual premiership players at Richmond this decade, Castagna’s high energy, high flying style of play has delivered Richmond fans exhilarating highs and some infuriating lows this decade. When Castagna is on though few can hassle, chase and fly for the ball like he does. A perfect example of Castagna’s game came in the last of the decade; the 2019 Grand Final. Castagna was one of the most dangerous players on the ground for most of the game but finished with a frustrating 0 goals, 5 behinds. It mattered little though as Castagna picked up his second premiership medal in three years.

Ivan Maric (Ruck)
2012-2017
80 games, 33 goals
3rd B&F (2012), Vice-Captain (2015-2016)

Such was Maric’s profound impact on Richmond that it’s sometimes hard to remember that he only spent 6 years on the Richmond list. Maric crossed from Adelaide to Richmond at the end of the 2011 season and had an impact on the ground, but perhaps more importantly drove the culture off-field. Without Maric it’s arguable that Richmond’s resurgence never occurs. On the field Maric was pretty handy too, shouldering Richmond’s ruck load for most of his years at the club and being counted amongst the top few big men in the competition, particularly in 2012 when he was named in the All Australian squad of 40.

Dustin Martin (Ruck Rover)
2010-2019
224 games, 250 goals
Premiership (2017, 2019), Brownlow (2017), Norm Smith (2017, 2019), Best and Fairest (2016, 2017), All Australian (2016, 2017, 2018)

Just where do you start with Dusty? 2 Premierships, 2 Norm Smith Medals, 1 Brownlow, 3 All Australians and 2 Jack Dyer medals is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Martin’s impact at Tigerland these last 10 years. Whether it is the trademark one handed fend-off, burst from a pack, one on one marking or booming long kicks everything about Dustin Martin screams power and dominance. The 2017 Martin season will go down in history as one of the more incredible and dominant seasons a player has ever had. The dominance and off field growth has led to Dusty being the face of the club all young kids recognise; he’s not only one of Richmond’s best, but also one the League’s best these past 10 years.

Dion Prestia (Rover)
2017-2019
60 games, 21 goals
Premiership (2017, 2019), Best and Fairest (2019)

It’s only been three years, but boy what a three years. Arrived at the club from Gold Coast and despite some injury concerns formed a key part of Richmond’s midfield. Doesn’t exude power like Dusty or smoothness like Edwards but is seemingly in and under every contest in the game and just gets the job done week after week. Prestia’s importance to the Richmond team was highlighted after winning the Jack Dyer medal in the 2019 premiership year; a truly fantastic effort in a fantastic season for the club.

 

[fightingfury_88]

Kane Lambert (Interchange)
2015-2019
95 games, 61 goals
Premiership (2017, 2019)

What an incredible rags to riches story. Overlooked by so many clubs in so many drafts, Richmond finally took a punt on Kane Lambert in the 2015 Rookie Draft and he hasn’t looked back since. Now in 2019 Kane lambert finishes as a dual premiership player and one of the hardest working, impactful mid-forwards in the competition. Lambert is certainly not considered a tall, strong or even fast player but the sheer will of this guy to run all day to provide a link between the midfield and forwardline is extraordinary. Lambert also has an uncanny knack for finding the goals, perhaps none more memorable than the goal he scored within the first minute of the 2017 Preliminary Final against GWS; never has a louder roar ever been heard at the MCG as there was at that moment.

Toby Nankervis (Interchange)
2017-2019
59 games, 22 goals
Premiership (2017, 2019)

At the end of the 2016 season Richmond identified that the ruck position was a critical area of need for the team. In came Toby Nankervis was traded in for a third round pick and quickly overtook Maric and Hampson as the preferred number one ruck at the club. As far as rucks go Nankervis is undersized but what he lacks in height he makes up for in heart and effort. An absolute workhorse for the club, Nankervis uses his decent marking skills to have an impact all over the ground and is not afraid to push forward to pose a threat in attack or drop back and fill a hole in defence. During 2019 injuries looked to have derailed any chance that Nankervis might have had to add a second premiership medal to his trophy cabinet, but in true Nankervis style he battled his way back through the VFL and ended up playing not just in the Grand Final, but in all AFL finals matches for the club.

Josh Caddy (Interchange)
2017-2019
62 games, 84 goals
Premiership (2017, 2019)

Came across to the club in the 2016 trade period along with Prestia and Nankervis on the promise of more midfield time but with a lack of key forward options at Tigerland found himself essentially playing as the second marking forward in attack for the 2017 season. Caddy ended the 2017 season with the club’s second most goals for the season as he revealed himself to be a strong contested mark with an aggressive streak and an absolute deadeye in front of the big sticks. 2019 posed new challenges for Caddy with injury and the poor form resulting in Caddy being left out of the side. To Josh’s credit he reinvented his game and became a hard running wingman, forcing himself back into the senior list and adding his second premiership medal by the end of the season.

Daniel Jackson (Interchange)
2010-2014
87 games, 42 goals
Best and Fairest (2013)

Unfortunately Jackson didn’t enjoy much success but that doesn’t stop him from being a worthy addition to the Richmond Team of the Decade. At the turn of this decade Jackson transformed himself from fringe selection into one of the first picked in the side. Thanks in part to his incredible endurance, initially Jackson was picked solely as a defensive minded midfielder but eventually expanded his game on the offensive side also. His efforts culminated in a Jack Dyer medal in 2013 after an impressive 18 goal season as a midfielder. Off the field Daniel Jackson was an astute mind and forged an unlikely friendship with Jake King. Unfortunately injuries got the best of Daniel Jackson, forcing him to retire in 2014 at just 28 years of age.

Damien Hardwick (Coach)
2010-2019
123 wins, 2 draws, 95 losses
Premiership (2017, 2019)

A no contest since there has only been one Richmond coach this decade but it’s still worth reflecting on some of Hardwick’s achievements this decade. Hardwick was appointed as senior Richmond coach for the 2010 season and took over a team in turmoil. Terry Wallace had just been sacked after another dismal season that saw just 5 wins for the season. Hardwick’s first season wasn’t much better; just 6 wins for the year, but he invested in the youth and gradually built a team that contested finals for three years in a row (2013-2015). After a dismal 2016 season where Richmond won just 8 games and failed to play finals many were calling for Hardwick’s head. The Richmond board though stuck by their man and backed him in for another season; what followed was truly remarkable. Hardwick completely shifted his attitude and changed the culture of the club around him; investing heavily in relationships and emotional connection. The Richmond team responded and with the shackles taken off romped their way to a 2017 Premiership. Proving it was no fluke, Richmond backed up their efforts in 2018 and 2019, eventually winning their second premiership for the decade in 2019. No matter what happens from here, Hardwick will now go down as a Richmond coaching great and the man who broke the Richmond Premiership drought.

Reece Conca (Emergency)
104 games, 23 goals
AFL Rising Star Nominee (2011), Cosgrove-Jenkins award (2011)

Kamdyn McIntosh (Emergency)
90 games, 26 goals
Premiership (2017)

Nathan Broad (Emergency)
54 games, 1 goal
Premiership (2017, 2019)

Steven Morris (Emergency)
87 games, 12 goals
7th Best and Fairest (2012, 2013)

Richmond Tigers Team of the Decade (2010-2019)

B: Dylan Grimes - Alex Rance - Chris Newman

HB: Bachar Houli - David Astbury - Nick Vlastuin

C: Brandon Ellis - Trent Cotchin - Shaun Grigg

HF: Shane Edwards - Tyrone Vickery - Brett Deledio

F: Daniel Rioli - Jack Riewoldt - Jason Castagna

R: Ivan Maric - Dustin Martin - Dion Prestia

INT: Kane Lambert - Toby Nankervis - Josh Caddy - Daniel Jackson

EMG: Reece Conca - Kamdyn McIntosh - Nathan Broad - Steven Morris

Coach: Damien Hardwick

Other Notables:
Jayden Short
Troy Chaplin
Nathan Foley
Jake King
Robin Nahas
Shane Tuck
Benjamin Griffiths
Anthony Miles
Sam Lloyd
Matthew White
Daniel Butler
Jack Graham
Shai Bolton
Tom Lynch
Ivan Soldo
Liam Baker

 

[Dr Tigris]

Interesting.

You've pointed out your contentious decisions, and why. I can't think of someone else given your criteria. But some of the guys, Vickery, wouldn't get a game today. Which says how far we have come.

I reckon some of our new guys are a big step up. But it is what it is.

 

[BF Tiger]

Good effort. Most players pick themselves.

For me def no Vickery. If Lynch is worthy of a special mention then he is worthy of a spot in the side.

Foley and Graham in for Conca and Morris.

 

[This Is Anfield]

Tyrone will be the talking point... may just turn into a Tyrone thread which would be unfortunate.

 

[Wallaby]

We won a premiership without a 2nd key forward, We didn't win one when we had a 2nd Key Forward.

Just because it's traditional to have 2xKPFs doesn't mean we have to have one. Caddy or another small forward instead of Vickery means the side is better.

 

[_RT_]

I'd have Nahas ahead of Castagna or Rioli for the fact that he kicked 100 goals from 83 games in a time when we were a poor side, we only won 29 of the 83 games he played in. Did the defensive small forward role before it was a thing.

For the record in his 83 games he averaged per game:
14.5 disposals
3.9 tackles
5.2 contested possessions
1.2 goals
0.47 goal assists
1.63 scoring shots
2 I50s


Had 13 games with 3 or more goals

Taking nothing away from Rioli or Castagna as they are 2 time premiership players, but I wonder just how well they'd actually perform playing in a side that was of the same quality as the ones that Nahas ran around in.

 

[fightingfury_88]

Good effort. Most players pick themselves.

For me def no Vickery. If Lynch is worthy of a special mention then he is worthy of a spot in the side.

Foley and Graham in for Conca and Morris.

Vickery is certainly the selection that caused me the most heartache. In the end I opted for longevity over one season of brilliance. Certainly there is a valid argument to have Lynch in the side though.

Foley I had in the side for a bit and then left him out as I felt most of his special work was done before 2010. Graham a bit the opposite, plenty of great things to come hopefully but just not quite enough runs on the board for me.

Tyrone will be the talking point... may just turn into a Tyrone thread which would be unfortunate.

You're not wrong!

We won a premiership without a 2nd key forward, We didn't win one when we had a 2nd Key Forward.

Just because it's traditional to have 2xKPFs doesn't mean we have to have one. Caddy or another small forward instead of Vickery means the side is better.

Certainly a valid argument, I set up my KPP selection rules before picking the side though and ended up sticking to it; it certainly made the selection much more interesting. Agree that the team would be 'better' with a an extra small forward/Caddy instead of Vickery but the aim of my selection wasn't to pick the best Richmond team.

I'd have Nahas ahead of Castagna or Rioli for the fact that he kicked 100 goals from 83 games in a time when we were a poor side, we only won 29 of the 83 games he played in. Did the defensive small forward role before it was a thing.

For the record in his 83 games he averaged per game:
14.5 disposals
3.9 tackles
5.2 contested possessions
1.2 goals
0.47 goal assists
1.63 scoring shots
2 I50s


Had 13 games with 3 or more goals

Taking nothing away from Rioli or Castagna as they are 2 time premiership players, but I wonder just how well they'd actually perform playing in a side that was of the same quality as the ones that Nahas ran around in.

That's Nahas' career stats, but some of that is outside this decade. For this decade Nahas played 64 games and kicked 79 goals for Richmond. I only considered games from 2010-2019. Certainly considered Nahas but in the end opted for Castagna and Rioli.

 

[_RT_]

That's Nahas' career stats, but some of that is outside this decade. For this decade Nahas played 64 games and kicked 79 goals for Richmond. I only considered games from 2010-2019. Certainly considered Nahas but in the end opted for Castagna and Rioli.

For 2010-2013 64 games 79 goals 24 wins 2 draws 38 losses
14.6 disposals
3.9 tackles
5.2 contested possessions
2.4 I50s

Runner up 2012 goal kicking 4th 2011 goal kicking
6th place Jack Dyer Medal 2011.

FWIW here are Rioli & Castagna numbers over a similar time frame

(Rioli 77 games 51 wins & Castagna 76 games 54 wins)

2016-2019
Disposals: Rioli 11.5 Castagna 12.1
Tackles: Rioli 3.2 Castagna 2.9
Contested Possessions: Rioli 4.4 Castagna 4.5
I50s: Rioli 2.3 Castagna 2.4

For a small forward who played in a side that was often on the losing end of the contest, his stats hold him in good stead against Rioli and Castagna whose careers have been during our successful stint this decade.

 

[damicky]

I was looking through the team & thinking that it looked pretty good ... then I saw Vickery’s name & thought it was a joke.

Can we just pick a team without a CHF if there’s nobody else to put there?

 

[BF Tiger]

Maybe TV gets in for that day he kicked six against the Pies. It’s my understanding that Pies won the Prelimship in 2018 as payback for that and thought the job was done.

 

[Tiger Toffee]

Stopped reading at TV, one season of Lynch far exceeds anything TV did.

Ask yourself this OP, where would Richmond have ended up in 2019 if it was TV instead of Lynch in the side.

We wouldn't have number twelve that's for sure.

 

[Cotcho]

Good effort but no way to Vickery IMO Jake King would be awesome as a small pressure forward in today's system. Rather double down on short people

 

[Calcium Man]

For 2010-2013 64 games 79 goals 24 wins 2 draws 38 losses
14.6 disposals
3.9 tackles
5.2 contested possessions
2.4 I50s

Runner up 2012 goal kicking 4th 2011 goal kicking
6th place Jack Dyer Medal 2011.

FWIW here are Rioli & Castagna numbers over a similar time frame

(Rioli 77 games 51 wins & Castagna 76 games 54 wins)

2016-2019
Disposals: Rioli 11.5 Castagna 12.1
Tackles: Rioli 3.2 Castagna 2.9
Contested Possessions: Rioli 4.4 Castagna 4.5
I50s: Rioli 2.3 Castagna 2.4

For a small forward who played in a side that was often on the losing end of the contest, his stats hold him in good stead against Rioli and Castagna whose careers have been during our successful stint this decade.

stats are only part of the story.

Nahas couldn’t keep his feet and I doubt he does the running Rioli and George do or apply the amount of pressure they do.

We play the way we do because of how hard our small forwards work for the team not their stats, which are generally down in across the board.

 

[Vassp]

It’s not just the players per say, it’s more the system and players picked to compliment that.
Sydney stack
Tom lynch
Shai Bolton
Should all be in the team.
I’m not going to mention why you put (you know who) in the team.

 

[_RT_]

stats are only part of the story.

Nahas couldn’t keep his feet and I doubt he does the running Rioli and George do or apply the amount of pressure they do.

We play the way we do because of how hard our small forwards work for the team not their stats, which are generally down in across the board.

Nahas played midfield/forward for 2 seasons in 11 & 12 averaging 16.2 disposals per game while also kicking 63 goals in 44 games.

IMO he was underrated by many of us, me included, when he was here because we expected more, but on reflection he was pretty handy for a small forward/midfielder in a poorish side.

 

[TigerImposter]

I stopped reading at Newman bc the reality is under KDH he was done. TV and Conca in our side of the decade the OP must be taking the piss.

 

[Meteoric Rise]

stats are only part of the story.

Nahas couldn’t keep his feet and I doubt he does the running Rioli and George do or apply the amount of pressure they do.

We play the way we do because of how hard our small forwards work for the team not their stats, which are generally down in across the board.

Could not agree more. There is a key difference to the way these current small forwards are playing. When an opposition player gets it in the back pocket and switches to a teammate 40 metres away in the other back pocket, Nahas would have been forgiven for saying no use giving a 40 metre sprint to close him down and put a tiny bit of pressure on him, making him hurry his kick a bit because I won’t catch him and I will soon be knackered, better to save my energy. Rioli and Castagna are expected to chase at top speed even if it is forlorn and not worry about running out of legs later. They also both have excellent aerial presence in contested situations for their height, which Nahry could not come close to matching. But those forlorn 40m+ gut busting sprints, they are crucial to the Richmond game plan, but they are not reflected on the stats sheet.

I just don’t think most people get it as to how important the role of the Tiger small forwards is and how good these guys are at playing the role. You need speed and stamina as a bare minimum to keep up with Rioli and Castagna. I was present at the Richmond v Collingwood rd 2 game this season when for whatever reason there was very little forward pressure(it almost appeared deliberate to not chase from the forward line) and it made a massive difference to the way the game unfolded.

 

[damicky]

It’s not just the players per say, it’s more the system and players picked to compliment that.
Sydney stack
Tom lynch
Shai Bolton
Should all be in the team.
I’m not going to mention why you put (you know who) in the team.

“You know who”

He who shall not be named

 

[Michaels]

I take it all of those who are criticizing the OP will be posting their teams shortly for us to all look at as well?!

 

[joelsyt]

For the most part I like your 22 OP however I would take the 1 year in our team from Lynch and put him in Vickory’s spot.

Lynch has done more for us in a year than any other second tall forward has done for us this decade.

 

[sregit]

Kane Lambert (Interchange)
2015-2019
95 games, 61 goals
Premiership (2017, 2019)
View attachment 791647
What an incredible rags to riches story. Overlooked by so many clubs in so many drafts, Richmond finally took a punt on Kane Lambert in the 2015 Rookie Draft and he hasn’t looked back since. Now in 2019 Kane lambert finishes as a dual premiership player and one of the hardest working, impactful mid-forwards in the competition. Lambert is certainly not considered a tall, strong or even fast player but the sheer will of this guy to run all day to provide a link between the midfield and forwardline is extraordinary. Lambert also has an uncanny knack for finding the goals, perhaps none more memorable than the goal he scored within the first minute of the 2017 Preliminary Final against GWS; never has a louder roar ever been heard at the MCG as there was at that moment.

Toby Nankervis (Interchange)
2017-2019
59 games, 22 goals
Premiership (2017, 2019)
View attachment 791648
At the end of the 2016 season Richmond identified that the ruck position was a critical area of need for the team. In came Toby Nankervis was traded in for a third round pick and quickly overtook Maric and Hampson as the preferred number one ruck at the club. As far as rucks go Nankervis is undersized but what he lacks in height he makes up for in heart and effort. An absolute workhorse for the club, Nankervis uses his decent marking skills to have an impact all over the ground and is not afraid to push forward to pose a threat in attack or drop back and fill a hole in defence. During 2019 injuries looked to have derailed any chance that Nankervis might have had to add a second premiership medal to his trophy cabinet, but in true Nankervis style he battled his way back through the VFL and ended up playing not just in the Grand Final, but in all AFL finals matches for the club.

Josh Caddy (Interchange)
2017-2019
62 games, 84 goals
Premiership (2017, 2019)
View attachment 791649
Came across to the club in the 2016 trade period along with Prestia and Nankervis on the promise of more midfield time but with a lack of key forward options at Tigerland found himself essentially playing as the second marking forward in attack for the 2017 season. Caddy ended the 2017 season with the club’s second most goals for the season as he revealed himself to be a strong contested mark with an aggressive streak and an absolute deadeye in front of the big sticks. 2019 posed new challenges for Caddy with injury and the poor form resulting in Caddy being left out of the side. To Josh’s credit he reinvented his game and became a hard running wingman, forcing himself back into the senior list and adding his second premiership medal by the end of the season.

Daniel Jackson (Interchange)
2010-2014
87 games, 42 goals
Best and Fairest (2013)
View attachment 791650
Unfortunately Jackson didn’t enjoy much success but that doesn’t stop him from being a worthy addition to the Richmond Team of the Decade. At the turn of this decade Jackson transformed himself from fringe selection into one of the first picked in the side. Thanks in part to his incredible endurance, initially Jackson was picked solely as a defensive minded midfielder but eventually expanded his game on the offensive side also. His efforts culminated in a Jack Dyer medal in 2013 after an impressive 18 goal season as a midfielder. Off the field Daniel Jackson was an astute mind and forged an unlikely friendship with Jake King. Unfortunately injuries got the best of Daniel Jackson, forcing him to retire in 2014 at just 28 years of age.

Damien Hardwick (Coach)
2010-2019
123 wins, 2 draws, 95 losses
Premiership (2017, 2019)
View attachment 791652
A no contest since there has only been one Richmond coach this decade but it’s still worth reflecting on some of Hardwick’s achievements this decade. Hardwick was appointed as senior Richmond coach for the 2010 season and took over a team in turmoil. Terry Wallace had just been sacked after another dismal season that saw just 5 wins for the season. Hardwick’s first season wasn’t much better; just 6 wins for the year, but he invested in the youth and gradually built a team that contested finals for three years in a row (2013-2015). After a dismal 2016 season where Richmond won just 8 games and failed to play finals many were calling for Hardwick’s head. The Richmond board though stuck by their man and backed him in for another season; what followed was truly remarkable. Hardwick completely shifted his attitude and changed the culture of the club around him; investing heavily in relationships and emotional connection. The Richmond team responded and with the shackles taken off romped their way to a 2017 Premiership. Proving it was no fluke, Richmond backed up their efforts in 2018 and 2019, eventually winning their second premiership for the decade in 2019. No matter what happens from here, Hardwick will now go down as a Richmond coaching great and the man who broke the Richmond Premiership drought.

Reece Conca (Emergency)
104 games, 23 goals
AFL Rising Star Nominee (2011), Cosgrove-Jenkins award (2011)

Kamdyn McIntosh (Emergency)
90 games, 26 goals
Premiership (2017)

Nathan Broad (Emergency)
54 games, 1 goal
Premiership (2017, 2019)

Steven Morris (Emergency)
87 games, 12 goals
7th Best and Fairest (2012, 2013)

Richmond Tigers Team of the Decade (2010-2019)

B: Dylan Grimes - Alex Rance - Chris Newman

HB: Bachar Houli - David Astbury - Nick Vlastuin

C: Brandon Ellis - Trent Cotchin - Shaun Grigg

HF: Shane Edwards - Tyrone Vickery - Brett Deledio

F: Daniel Rioli - Jack Riewoldt - Jason Castagna

R: Ivan Maric - Dustin Martin - Dion Prestia

INT: Kane Lambert - Toby Nankervis - Josh Caddy - Daniel Jackson

EMG: Reece Conca - Kamdyn McIntosh - Nathan Broad - Steven Morris

Coach: Damien Hardwick

Other Notables:
Jayden Short
Troy Chaplin
Nathan Foley
Jake King
Robin Nahas
Shane Tuck
Benjamin Griffiths
Anthony Miles
Sam Lloyd
Matthew White
Daniel Butler
Jack Graham
Shai Bolton
Tom Lynch
Ivan Soldo
Liam Baker

Our current side is better than that side. Vickery! Can I have some of that acid you must be on? You're having hallucinations.

 

[This Is Anfield]

Nostradamus, me.

 

[AuntyBlindEye]

Happy to see Ellis in there. Also happy Shorty got a mention at the bottom.

I'd probably have King, Chappy and Foley in there, but replacing who, I have no idea.