Preview Richmond 2022 preview: Season predictions for the Tigers

DoItForCaptBlood

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I agree wholeheartedly
I watched the 2019 Geelong / Richmond PF last night and it was played at such a peak intensity, that would be needed again in 2022, but maybe beyond our ageing stars.
We need the young guys to really step up but they may be a few years off …
"Ageing stars" can do intensity. It's a mindset. Something many didn't have for periods of games last season. It was quite obvious in 2020 when the mindset wasn't there in games too; the difference being in 2020, most games the switch was flicked and the wins came by the final siren.
We'll see in 2022. You may be right. Perhaps some on the list are happy with 3 medals and are looking to ease through the last season or two of their careers. I'm backing them in as professionals to have a red hot crack though! It you're referring to injuries, well, that's a different matter - looking at you Meatball.
 
Feb 23, 2009
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Damien Hardwick has lead Richmond to glory three times already though if he was able to do it once more, with this list, he may just become the greatest we have ever seen.

January 5, 2022 - News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
Dustin Martin, Riley Collier-Dawkins, Shai Bolton and Trent Cotchin are set to shoulder big loads in 2022.

Dustin Martin, Riley Collier-Dawkins, Shai Bolton and Trent Cotchin are set to shoulder big loads in 2022.

Is the dynasty over or was 2021 just a bump in the road for the Tigers?
Injuries in the back half of the year, none bigger than to triple Norm Smith medallist Dustin Martin, ended all hope for a last-minute resurgence.
But they’re not crying rebuild or recession at Punt Rd just yet, instead a sharp rebound is being predicted by Brendon Gale and co for this blue-chip club.


Dustin Martin is back in training after a kidney injury. Picture: Michael Klein

Dustin Martin is back in training after a kidney injury. Picture: Michael Klein

What happened in 2021?
When the Tigers went down to West Coast in an epic nailbiter in Perth in June, it seemed a potential finals preview.
As it happened, the wheels fell off both teams after that night with the Tigers crashing all the way to 12th. A scrambled Jack Riewoldt goal with seconds to go in the final round against Hawthorn gave the reigning premier a 2-1-6 record from the final nine matches.
There were some excuses, including a cursed run with injuries that took out almost the entire starting backline and midfield in different blocks – plus Dusty for the final five rounds.


The versatile Liam Baker was one big Tiger improver in 2021. Picture: Michael Klein

The versatile Liam Baker was one big Tiger improver in 2021. Picture: Michael Klein

What happens in 2022?
It will be a careful balance between giving one last swan song for the Killers side-act Jack Riewoldt and inspirational leader Trent Cotchin and ensuring the club’s youth are afforded ample opportunity. That juggling act, coupled with a fit Martin, will see the triple premiers return to the finals realm.
The Tigers have taken a hit to their talls stocks with the departure of Callum-Coleman Jones and Mabior Chol, but will be boosted by the return of a fit Ivan Soldo, which covers those losses in the short term.
A solid spine and star power in the midfield are the biggest factors in not writing off Richmond just yet despite a disappointing finish to 2021.
The Tigers are looking to the future with a suite of early draft picks but with names like Tom Lynch, Robbie Tarrant, Dion Prestia, and Dylan Grimes alongside Martin, Cotchin and Riewoldt all entering or near their twilight years, they’ll still see themselves as a contender come September.


The time is now for Riley Collier-Dawkins. Picture: Michael Klein

The time is now for Riley Collier-Dawkins. Picture: Michael Klein

Biggest improver in 2022?
After biding his time in the VFL for two-and-a-half seasons, Riley Collier-Dawkins got his chance in Round 7 last year and didn’t take long to show the AFL world what he’s capable of.
Two weeks later against the Giants he registered 18 disposals, seven tackles, four clearances and two goals to play a key role in Richmond’s best win of the season.
His nine games were enough to claim the club’s best first-year player award, but the Tigers need Collier-Dawkins to take his game to another level in 2022.
With Cotchin likely in his final season, Shane Edwards nearing the end of his brilliant career and Martin and Kane Lambert both 30, the midfield baton is ready to be passed to a new generation. And Collier-Dawkins has the tools to lead that group that also includes Jack Ross, Thomson Dow, Will Martyn and exciting draftee Tyler Sonsie.


Shai Bolton launches into the night sky. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Shai Bolton launches into the night sky. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

X-FACTOR
The obvious answer is the man with the trademark fend-off, but it’s Shai Bolton who deserves this mantle now. Everything Bolton touches reeks of X-factor quality and we saw those glimpses start to become a more regular feature of his game in 2021. From his now famous mark of the year to matchwinning goals, Bolton looked like he was about to elevate his status in the game even further before an incident in a nightclub that resulted in a broken his hand halted his momentum. Bolton wasn’t poor in the back half of the year, but he didn’t reach the dizzying heights of his mark at the MCG or his form in the first half. But the platform has been created and there’s no reason the mercurial midfielder/forward can’t add an All-Australian jacket to his CV.

Where will Richmond finish in 2022?

A fourth flag for Dusty and Dimma
32 %

Top four
25 %

Bottom half of the eight
30 %

Missing finals - the dynasty is over
13 %
1003 votes


COACH STATUS
The master coach penned a contract before the season began which will see him at Tigerland until at least 2024. There were some well documented issues about Damien Hardwick’s demeanour during the Covid-19 enforced pause of the 2020 season and in the hub as well as a breakdown of his marriage, but Hardwick is still one of the most revered coaches in the game.
Brendon Gale told the Herald Sun earlier this year he doesn’t believe in premiership windows so essentially they’re ready to pounce at a fourth flag under Hardwick’s guidance. But the Tigers are definitely in a refresh mode, equipping themselves with a suite of top draftees. If Hardwick can add to his already long list of achievements in yellow and black then he’ll further etch his name in Tigers folklore.


Like his team, Damien Hardwick had a tough 2021. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Like his team, Damien Hardwick had a tough 2021. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Who’s is in the last year of their contract
Jack Ross, Liam Baker, Jack Riewoldt, Trent Cotchin, Shane Edwards, Sydney Stack, Jayden Short, Daniel Rioli, Marlion Pickett, Jake Aarts, Josh Caddy, Kane Lambert, Riley Collier-Dawkins, Samson Ryan, Nathan Broad, Will Martyn, Matthew Parker, Ben Miller, Mate Colina, Maurice Rioli, Noah Cumberland (re-rookied), Bigoa Nyuon (re-rookied)

INS FOR 2022
Robbie Tarrant (traded from North Melbourne), Josh Gibcus (draft pick 9), Tom Brown (draft pick 17), Tyler Sonsie (draft pick 28), Sam Banks (draft pick 29), Judson Clarke (draft pick 30)

OUTS FROM 2021
David Astbury (retired), Mabior Chol (free agent – Gold Coast), Callum Coleman-Jones (traded to North Melbourne), Derek Eggmolesse-Smith (delisted), Ryan Garthwaite (delisted), Bachar Houli (retired), Patrick Naish (delisted)

Former Kangaroo Robbie Tarrant joined the Tigers in the trade period. Picture: Michael Klein

Former Kangaroo Robbie Tarrant joined the Tigers in the trade period. Picture: Michael Klein

FIRST SIX GAMES AND HOW MANY THEY WIN
Rd 1: Carlton @ MCG (L)
Rd 2: GWS MCG (W)
Rd 3: St Kilda @ Marvel Stadium (W)
Rd 4: Western Bulldogs @ MCG (L)
Rd 5: Adelaide @ Adelaide Oval (W)
Rd 6: Melbourne @ MCG (L)
Prediction: 3 wins, 3 losses


BEST 22 IN ’22
B: Grimes, Balta, Vlastuin
HB: Rioli, Tarrant, Short
C: Graham, Martin, McIntosh
HF: Lambert, Lynch, Bolton
F: Edwards, Riewoldt, Baker
Foll: Nankervis, Prestia, Cotchin
Int: Broad, Stack, Collier-Dawkins, Soldo
Emerg: Pickett, Ross, Mansell, Rioli Jr


That best 22 is a top effort, and would be just about spot on in terms of the players named round 1 you'd think.
 
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Hugo Ralphsmith is miles ahead of Jack Ross imo.
The only thing stopping us winning a 4th flag is Stephen Hocking's/Geelong's rule changes, or a covid outbreak.
 

AstuteTiger

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That best 22 is a top effort, and would be just about spot on in terms of the players named round 1 you'd think.

Was thinking the same, that top 22 looks about right, even emergencies look good. Pickett, Ross, Mansell, Rioli Jr
I would also add Hugo Ralphsmith into that mix, just shows the level of talent that runs deep in the squad.
 

JAKLAUGHING

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TASMANIAN DEBILS!!!
I agree wholeheartedly
I watched the 2019 Geelong / Richmond PF last night and it was played at such a peak intensity, that would be needed again in 2022, but maybe beyond our ageing stars.
We need the young guys to really step up but they may be a few years off …
Peak intensity was on show from the scats aging old stars...didn't worry them at all...
 
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Ross & HRS are completely different players, Ross needs to be played in his proper position from now on.
Ross is vanilla.
The issue we have is no one really stands out as a like for like to replace our stars which is understandable considering the level Cotch/Jack/Shedda were at.
But while we still have a fit Dusty/Lynch/Nank/Prestia/Balta/Tarrant with a pretty decent support crew in Short/Macca/Broad/Baker/Graham/Pickett & Lambert thats a decent core to at least gives us a chance for one last hurrah with a mixture of youth.
 
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Was thinking the same, that top 22 looks about right, even emergencies look good. Pickett, Ross, Mansell, Rioli Jr
I would also add Hugo Ralphsmith into that mix, just shows the level of talent that runs deep in the squad.
Ralphsmith showed plenty against the crows.
 

Grrr

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Ross is vanilla.
The issue we have is no one really stands out as a like for like to replace our stars which is understandable considering the level Cotch/Jack/Shedda were at.
But while we still have a fit Dusty/Lynch/Nank/Prestia/Balta/Tarrant with a pretty decent support crew in Short/Macca/Broad/Baker/Graham/Pickett & Lambert thats a decent core to at least gives us a chance for one last hurrah with a mixture of youth.
I'm a big Ross fan. Knows how to find it, uses it by hand very well and his kicking will improve the more he plays, he is hard at it and a very good tackler. Just needs to be backed in. While he doesn't have a sexy game he has shown that he can get the ball, which is always a big plus for a midfielder.

I would have him about even with RCD, less impact but more of a natural footballer.
 

JR82

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hate them all
Ross is vanilla.
The issue we have is no one really stands out as a like for like to replace our stars which is understandable considering the level Cotch/Jack/Shedda were at.
But while we still have a fit Dusty/Lynch/Nank/Prestia/Balta/Tarrant with a pretty decent support crew in Short/Macca/Broad/Baker/Graham/Pickett & Lambert thats a decent core to at least gives us a chance for one last hurrah with a mixture of youth.
Agree 100%, we just can't have too many out at the same time this season, we found that out last yr. Ross may be vanilla but he needs to play in the role he plays best which is inside mid. the support crew is handy & they'll get their chance as well.
 

boxxie2022

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Caddy still best 22 for mine
things were just not right for him in 21
if lean, mean, keen, fit and hungry he's still got a lot to offer.
I mentioned somewhere before. We need a good return from our midsized fwds. Relieve the pressure off Jack and Tom. Dusty Cads and George could get 40-50 goals between them, we’ll be in a very strong position.
 

Grrr

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I mentioned somewhere before. We need a good return from our midsized fwds. Relieve the pressure off Jack and Tom. Dusty Cads and George could get 40-50 goals between them, we’ll be in a very strong position.
Cads and George might struggle with a full strength side I reckon and I think Dusty might spend more time on ball to reassert his dominance. Reckon they might run some resting mids through there more and use it to blood some younger types. We need to turn up some new exciting kids and you know what you will get with Cads and George.
 
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I mentioned somewhere before. We need a good return from our midsized fwds. Relieve the pressure off Jack and Tom. Dusty Cads and George could get 40-50 goals between them, we’ll be in a very strong position.
Dusty alone will probably kick 30, more or less depending on his mid/forward ratio.
 

boxxie2022

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Cads and George might struggle with a full strength side I reckon and I think Dusty might spend more time on ball to reassert his dominance. Reckon they might run some resting mids through there more and use it to blood some younger types. We need to turn up some new exciting kids and you know what you will get with Cads and George.
using them as an example of the midsized fwd. Maybe a newbie can step in and fill that role. But IMO Both George and caddy will have a role to play at some stage. Their best still holds up if they can reproduce it.
 

YeOldTiger

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Claremont Tigers, Glenelg Tigers
AFLW team win the flag.
Dusty is named Captain of the Tigers.
Dusty wins 2nd Brownlow, dedicates it to his Dad.
We finish 3rd after the H&A.
We sweep the finals.
We win the big one over Melb smashing their MCG dream.
Dylan Grimes wins the Norm.
The Punt Road Grandstand is pulled apart plank by plank and rebuilt in Federation Square for everyone to enjoy.
Melbourne is renamed Richmond Town.
Richmond dynasty (which everyone thinks is ending) actually just beginning.
Drops mike. Boom.
 
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lumpinee

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think we've had our day in the sun for the time being,started losing more often last season and that will continue in 2022,mini re build has started,its in its infancy and i think it will be 4-6 more years before we are playing off in premiership deciders,love to be wrong tho,so many things just have to go right and we had those things go right for 4 years straight so im grateful,i feel we'll be the building Richmond of 2012-2014 over these next few seasons,im ok with that
 

4tune8

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think we've had our day in the sun for the time being,started losing more often last season and that will continue in 2022,mini re build has started,its in its infancy and i think it will be 4-6 more years before we are playing off in premiership deciders,love to be wrong tho,so many things just have to go right and we had those things go right for 4 years straight so im grateful,i feel we'll be the building Richmond of 2012-2014 over these next few seasons,im ok with that

 
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Round One team:

Vlas Tarrant Grimes
Short Balta D Rioli
Baker Cotchin McIntosh
Lambert Lynch Bolton
Martin Riewoldt Castagna
Nankervis Graham Prestia
Edwards Soldo Broad Stack

EMG: Pickett RCD Ross Mansell


Round Twenty-Three team (my hopes and dreams)

Vlas Tarrant Broad
Short Grimes D.Rioli
McIntosh Graham Ralphsmith
Lambert Balta Bolton
Martin Lynch Riewoldt
Soldo/Nankervis Prestia Baker
Extended bench: Stack Cotchin Edwards Miller RCD Nyuon Ross Mansell Brown


Round Twenty-Three team (somewhat realistic)

Vlas Balta Grimes
Short Tarrant D. Rioli
McIntosh Graham Ralphsmith
Lambert Lynch Bolton
Martin Riewoldt Stack
Soldo Prestia Baker
Edwards Nankervis Cotchin Broad

EMG: RCD Castagna Miller Mansell


Delistings:

Will Martyn
Josh Caddy
Marlion Pickett??
Noah Cumberland
Jake Aarts
Matthew Parker

Retirements:
Jack Riewoldt
Trent Cotchin

Trade bait:
Jack Ross
Marlion Pickett

Trade targets:
Ben 'Oh you thought Lynch was the doozy? itshappening.gif' King
Tom Green
Ely Smith
Willie Rioli
Nathan Murphy

Unpopular opinion and obligatory "Balta forward when???" rant:

I don't think Nank will make it through the season. He has copped some sort of injury annually since 2019, and I have serious doubts on him being able to remain fit for the entirety of '22. Soldo's top-notch preseason form means he'll at least be in a two-ruck rotation. And I'm so so sorry to say it, but he is not a two-ruck guy, he shoulders 80 per cent of the load with some relief from the third tall.

I reckon we will at one point this season realise that:

a) Lynch needs a proper forward partner as Jack is cooked;
b) Soldo and Nank in the same side isn't working as neither can really play as a forward;
c) Biggy Nyoun and Ben Miller are really feckin' good and need to get senior minutes;
d) Noah Balta is the perfect modern day centre half forward.

This will probably happen all at once. I love Noah at full back but I think our issues are in the forward line. His pace, athleticism, long kicking, vice like marking and rucking ability work as perfect foil to Lynch's bear-in-the-square and lead-up styles. Add Jack in there as a 'third forward' who kicked 50 goals last year and we are formidable. Then you get to Dusty and Shai. And maybe a fit Stacky....

Point is, the development at lockers #46 and #47 could unlock (pardon the pun) our cobbled-together forward line.

But I don't think we will go for it, because there is a very, very real chance we throw the absolute mortgage at Ben King.

Shorter notes and predictions

- Ralphsmith as a wing works so well with a defensive-minded bloke on the other side in McIntosh. Adds a goalscoring dimension to the outside.
- We will bite the bullet on the lack of an outstanding inside mid developer (because I don't trust RCD and Ross), and throw Baker in there before the bye.
- Tom Brown plays 8-10 games of AFL footy, no other draftee debuts.
- Biggie Nyuon parachutes in and shows *ing heaps.
- I have no idea about Tom Dow.
 
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AstroboyUK

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the OP was an excellent preview: the only thing it didnt mention was foot speed and the evolution of game plan. We looked relatively slow from the very first game last year- and the stand rule it became a way to pull our defensive strategy apart. If we dont address that, in the way other teams addressed it, then we will have a very difficult year.
 
Should we be worried about how many players are in the last year of their contract, or is that normal? Seems like a lot.
Most of those players are either one year contracts for the rest of their career, will retire or be delisted anyway.
the only ones that need to be re-signed are baker, broad and short.
the rest are either in their twilight years and won’t be going anywhere or not making a huge impact.
 
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