Ambition of Season 2012

T4P

Club Legend
Joined
Mar 24, 2008
Posts
2,460
Likes
981
Location
Australia
AFL Club
Richmond
Thread starter #1
Forget the lid for a minute, I'm going to make a statement that will invite plenty of debate but at the same time raise some interesting points.

We can win the flag this year.

Saturday's win may have been our equivalent of Geelong's 157pt smashing of us in 2007 in marking the arriving of a new and more powerful Richmond - not to the extent of Geelong, but it may instill the self-belief needed for us to create an imposing winning streak that will bring us into finals contention, perhaps even top four (we would need to win one or more of the bolded games below).

Italicised are teams that have continually beaten us in the past, bold are the tough games. All games are winnable, the bold ones being the likely losses.
Saints, Freo, GWS, Adelaide (A), Melbourne, Gold Coast, North, Carlton, Brisbane (A), Doggies, Freo (A), Essendon, Port.

Given the tightness of the ladder this year, with respect to the run for the flag, anyone who is in form come finals-time can win it, and the difference between about 3rd or 4th and 11th will likely be about 1-2 games. It is a close year.

As a result, luck would need to be on our side particularly regarding injuries as i don't believe we have that great a depth yet, and we would need to continue this form (similarly to Geelong in 2007) and win the close matches that we lost earlier this year.

Call me deluded or whatever you want, but I believe it can be done*, and if the team believe it as well and play like they do, who knows what could happen.

Just some food for thought. Imma pop the lid back on now.

*albeit still extremely unlikely.
 

(Log in to remove this ad.)

Jimmybob

It's coming..
Joined
May 26, 2012
Posts
3,774
Likes
5,704
Location
Hawforn
AFL Club
Richmond
Other Teams
Heat
#3
It's okay to dream once in a while :) I see what you're getting at, though, would be awesome haha. I'd definitely do something crazy if we won the flag this year
 

Madison

Club Legend
Joined
Jul 28, 2009
Posts
1,644
Likes
1,830
AFL Club
Richmond
#4
One good win and look what happens. We aren't even in the 8. We don't even have a 50% winning percentage yet.

This is ridiculous. Enjoy the win but let's try and be a bit realistic.

Imagine how bad it will be when we actually get in the 8.

How long have you guys been Richmond supporters? I'm only 25 but am a pessimist when it comes to the tigers. How anyone who has supported us for longer than this year can feel differently makes little sense to me. Haven't we been burned enough in the past?
 
Joined
May 3, 2007
Posts
1,153
Likes
513
Location
Bugtussle, Oklahoma
AFL Club
Richmond
Other Teams
WEST HAM : THE POSH : FORT WILLIAM
#5
Forget the lid for a minute, I'm going to make a statement that will invite plenty of debate but at the same time raise some interesting points.

We can win the flag this year.​


Saturday's win may have been our equivalent of Geelong's 157pt smashing of us in 2007 in marking the arriving of a new and more powerful Richmond - not to the extent of Geelong, but it may instill the self-belief needed for us to create an imposing winning streak that will bring us into finals contention, perhaps even top four (we would need to win one or more of the bolded games below).

Italicised are teams that have continually beaten us in the past, bold are the tough games. All games are winnable, the bold ones being the likely losses.
Saints, Freo, GWS, Adelaide (A), Melbourne, Gold Coast, North, Carlton, Brisbane (A), Doggies, Freo (A), Essendon, Port.

Given the tightness of the ladder this year, with respect to the run for the flag, anyone who is in form come finals-time can win it, and the difference between about 3rd or 4th and 11th will likely be about 1-2 games. It is a close year.

As a result, luck would need to be on our side particularly regarding injuries as i don't believe we have that great a depth yet, and we would need to continue this form (similarly to Geelong in 2007) and win the close matches that we lost earlier this year.

Call me deluded or whatever you want, but I believe it can be done*, and if the team believe it as well and play like they do, who knows what could happen.

Just some food for thought. Imma pop the lid back on now.​


*albeit still extremely unlikely.
Just need to change the words "win the flag this year" to "make top 6 this year"......
 

tugga

Moderator
Joined
May 9, 2006
Posts
29,601
Likes
41,715
Location
Yid army
AFL Club
Richmond
Other Teams
Tottenham,Red Sox,San Antonio Spurs
Moderator #6
Let's make the finals more than once every 15 years first before talking about premierships.
We really do contribute to the public's perception of Richmond supporters don't we!
 

carn tigez

Premiership Player
Joined
May 24, 2006
Posts
4,528
Likes
1,174
Location
Melbourne
AFL Club
Richmond
#8
I don't like most of the responses here. Bookies have us equal with the Saints and Swans to win the flag. Now I know that it is very unlikely, but a ten goal win over premiership favourites plus running all the other genuine contenders to within an inch of losing, we have to be a small chance, albeit a very very small one.

The OP acknowledged the improbability but stated that it's not impossible, and with that I completely agree.
 

T4P

Club Legend
Joined
Mar 24, 2008
Posts
2,460
Likes
981
Location
Australia
AFL Club
Richmond
Thread starter #9
I don't like most of the responses here. Bookies have us equal with the Saints and Swans to win the flag. Now I know that it is very unlikely, but a ten goal win over premiership favourites plus running all the other genuine contenders to within an inch of losing, we have to be a small chance, albeit a very very small one.

The OP acknowledged the improbability but stated that it's not impossible, and with that I completely agree.
and THAT is what I was going for, thanks. You've hit the nail on the head.

But if you think ahead - if we win the next 3 games, this begins to look slightly more realistic. If we beat the crows first week back after the bye, we're on a 4-win streak and this begins to look possible. Once hope becomes belief anything can happen.
What I said in the OP is seen now as going over the top, but what I am trying to point out is that this could quickly become a realistic proposition.
On the other hand, just as quickly, if we lose on Friday, it won't happen.

My current opinion is that if we beat the saints we will make finals this year. We need to beat those teams that we constantly lose to, the saints, roos and doggies in particular to do so.
If we manage to knock off one or two of adelaide carlton and essendon, I reckon we could threaten in finals.
If we drop games we should win, we won't do either.
It's precarious.

A seed has been sewn. There are a million things that could kill it/delay its growth before it becomes a flower, especially in this 32 year old desert, but I am content with just sitting back and watching the growth.
 

nut

Brownlow Medallist
Joined
Mar 16, 2002
Posts
16,927
Likes
6,871
AFL Club
Richmond
Other Teams
Richmond
#10
There is nothing like belief and momentum......up to this time we have played with the youngest and most in-experienced defence in the competition.... our forwards have been below par.... yet we sit with a percentage of well above 100 with a 4 and 5 win loss ratio.

No one has dominated us..... ok the blues for 15 minutes..... pies in 5 minutes.... eagles in 5-10 minutes..... Geelong 5-10minutes.... Essendon for a qtr. In all these games I have felt we have had those teams on toast at some point but were unable to finish them.... we got the jitters and didn't know how to win....that changed on saturday.

What does this mean???? It means that before Saturday we are playing below what our maximum output is. Jack showed signs of a return to form in the last qtr against the Hawks....

We just need to click .... and in essence last saturday we finally did.

Our belief in ourselves has arrived..... the ability to take control of a situation and make things happen has arrived..... we are getting the taste for blood and I predict we will want more and more.....

Momentum is the most important thing leading up to a finals series.... if our midfield can hold its self together and Vickery and Jack can get into last years form then we look like a 5 goal better side....

If we can hold sides and get Grimes back..... and maybe even a fit Moore... our defence suddenly has the depth to carry us thoug the year...

Lots of luck needed.... but if can get a run on then watch out. I saw it in 95 what belief and momentum can do to aside.

If you go back to Brisbane in 2001 brisbane after round 5 were in the same position as we are now 4w-5l with a percentage of 103.5%..... then came round 10 when they too beat the premiership Favourites in Essendon at home and the next 3 years is History.

get on the train people...... Stopping all stations except East Richmond:D
 

True Thylacine

Premiership Player
Joined
Jun 9, 2005
Posts
3,893
Likes
150
Location
Punt Rd Home for The Aged
AFL Club
Richmond
#11
Let's make the finals more than once every 15 years first before talking about premierships.
We really do contribute to the public's perception of Richmond supporters don't we!
But tugga...if we don't raise expectation to some ridiculous level how can we then justify eating our own when it doesnt become reality?..lol
 

(Log in to remove this ad.)

Nuffers

Norm Smith Medallist
Joined
Feb 14, 2012
Posts
8,541
Likes
11,985
Location
2,631kms North of The G
AFL Club
Richmond
Other Teams
NHL: Canucks
#12
Forget the lid for a minute, I'm going to make a statement that will invite plenty of debate but at the same time raise some interesting points.

We can win the flag this year.

Saturday's win may have been our equivalent of Geelong's 157pt smashing of us in 2007 in marking the arriving of a new and more powerful Richmond - not to the extent of Geelong, but it may instill the self-belief needed for us to create an imposing winning streak that will bring us into finals contention, perhaps even top four (we would need to win one or more of the bolded games below).

Italicised are teams that have continually beaten us in the past, bold are the tough games. All games are winnable, the bold ones being the likely losses.
Saints, Freo, GWS, Adelaide (A), Melbourne, Gold Coast, North, Carlton, Brisbane (A), Doggies, Freo (A), Essendon, Port.

Given the tightness of the ladder this year, with respect to the run for the flag, anyone who is in form come finals-time can win it, and the difference between about 3rd or 4th and 11th will likely be about 1-2 games. It is a close year.

As a result, luck would need to be on our side particularly regarding injuries as i don't believe we have that great a depth yet, and we would need to continue this form (similarly to Geelong in 2007) and win the close matches that we lost earlier this year.

Call me deluded or whatever you want, but I believe it can be done*, and if the team believe it as well and play like they do, who knows what could happen.

Just some food for thought. Imma pop the lid back on now.

*albeit still extremely unlikely.
Is this Mick Malloy?
 

T4P

Club Legend
Joined
Mar 24, 2008
Posts
2,460
Likes
981
Location
Australia
AFL Club
Richmond
Thread starter #13
But tugga...if we don't raise expectation to some ridiculous level how can we then justify eating our own when it doesnt become reality?..lol
I'm not raising expectation, I'm raising the roof of our potential. My expectation has been raised to scraping into finals or just missing out.

Feel free to bring this up again at the end of the season and tear me apart in hindsight, the difference will be interesting.
 

Rodney Dangerfield

Brownlow Medallist
Joined
Mar 28, 2005
Posts
29,907
Likes
65,100
Location
Melbourne
AFL Club
Richmond
Other Teams
Liverpool,Bournemouth
#14
I'll bet each way here. I'm in the camp that says " geez hang on to your horses there son we mightn't make the 8 even! Have you not been burnt enough?

But there is a nagging feeling about this season in me. It's a weird season and a massive opportunity may arise. I bags Collingwood for the flag but it's very very open and I hope we can put ourselves in the mix at the business end because for one I think it's not top 4 then daylight like usual and 2- I think this side has a real belief that they can do anything at all
Much must go right but you never know.
 

tugga

Moderator
Joined
May 9, 2006
Posts
29,601
Likes
41,715
Location
Yid army
AFL Club
Richmond
Other Teams
Tottenham,Red Sox,San Antonio Spurs
Moderator #15
Sorry, but after being a witness to the past 30 years of pain, I have seen episodes like this where supporters get on their high horses after one win and then return to being rabid ferals the week after when we lose.
Do I think it's different this time. Actually, yes I do. But I need to see more proof than one win against a mentally soft overrated opponent.
Not having a go at you personally OP, but these sorts of threads only make us look stupid. It taints us all with the same overhyped brush, and it's a brush I don't want to be associated with any longer.
All I want is some realistic expectation of where we are at. Saying we could perhaps win the premiership this season is ludicrous and cringeworthy. Again, not having a go at you because many, many have done it before you as well.
For once in my life I would just like to see supporters not go overboard and actually wait for the right moment to start talking like this. Just once.
That's my say on it. Doesn't make me right. Doesn't make me wrong. Just responding to the post in a civilised way (or at least attempting to).
Carry on.
 

T4P

Club Legend
Joined
Mar 24, 2008
Posts
2,460
Likes
981
Location
Australia
AFL Club
Richmond
Thread starter #16
I'll bet each way here. I'm in the camp that says " geez hang on to your horses there son we mightn't make the 8 even! Have you not been burnt enough?

But there is a nagging feeling about this season in me. It's a weird season and a massive opportunity may arise. I bags Collingwood for the flag but it's very very open and I hope we can put ourselves in the mix at the business end because for one I think it's not top 4 then daylight like usual and 2- I think this side has a real belief that they can do anything at all
Much must go right but you never know.
I'm happy to enjoy the ride from now, I'd prefer to get on early and get burnt than get on at a late stop and only experience the end.

Like Nut said, belief and momentum gets you a long way, and with the draw we have from now, we could have both sky-high come round 23.
I'm not ruling us out from anything now.
 

T4P

Club Legend
Joined
Mar 24, 2008
Posts
2,460
Likes
981
Location
Australia
AFL Club
Richmond
Thread starter #18
Sorry, but after being a witness to the past 30 years of pain, I have seen episodes like this where supporters get on their high horses after one win and then return to being rabid ferals the week after when we lose.
Do I think it's different this time. Actually, yes I do. But I need to see more proof than one win against a mentally soft overrated opponent.
Not having a go at you personally OP, but these sorts of threads only make us look stupid. It taints us all with the same overhyped brush, and it's a brush I don't want to be associated with any longer.
All I want is some realistic expectation of where we are at. Saying we could perhaps win the premiership this season is ludicrous and cringeworthy. Again, not having a go at you because many, many have done it before you as well.
For once in my life I would just like to see supporters not go overboard and actually wait for the right moment to start talking like this. Just once.
That's my say on it. Doesn't make me right. Doesn't make me wrong. Just responding to the post in a civilised way (or at least attempting to).
Carry on.
I'm all for keeping the civilisation of the conversation - it's what stops us from looking stupid. I'm not trying to overhype us, but I guess it is inevitable when I talk about starting a big winning streak before it's started and the effects of the ensuing momentum and belief. My point is, I can see it happening.

Granted the way I wrote it was intended to provoke conversation, otherwise I would've started with "If we beat the saints, we will make finals this year," so I understand your cringe and apologise.

However I've noticed that any opinions made on here with any optimism get torn down, even if the optimism is warranted. I know the optimism isn't warranted for a potential premiership, but it could be soon - I'm talking two steps ahead here. The optimism for finals I believe is real now.

But then again, it could all be torn down just as easily. It's a game, anything could happen. Anything.

My realistic expectation: We will be in the contest for finals, we may just miss out or we may just make it. Anything less is a disappointment, and anything more is above expectations.
 

Barry_Badrinath

Brownlow Medallist
Joined
Aug 23, 2011
Posts
18,026
Likes
55,415
Location
Bathing in Premiership Glory
AFL Club
Richmond
Other Teams
Home Finals at the MCG
#19
It's extremely unlikely but I like your optimism. It would require a few more injuries to Collingwood but the club has shown that it can match it with pretty much the best in the league so far. West Coast at Subi and Adelaide at AAMI would be very tough and very likely if the flag was up for grabs.

We need to remember though that this year the best 22 has had an average age of just 23.90 years and is the youngest (non GC/GWS) side in the comp. And with youth comes inconsistency. Although I'd say a game against the Hawks, Cats, Dons or even the Blues (with Murphy out) at the MCG is probably a 50-50 game, 3 in a row is asking a bit much.
 

acr2751

Premium Platinum
Joined
Sep 12, 2006
Posts
1,480
Likes
1,058
Location
west
AFL Club
Richmond
#20
is it possible? in a essendon 93 0r hawthorn 08 kind of way yes

will it happen? i dont think so, i will be rapt if we win enough games to make the finals

imo this is the best side we have had since 82 it has more to it than the 95 and 01 sides
this side seems to have more substance to it
 

nut

Brownlow Medallist
Joined
Mar 16, 2002
Posts
16,927
Likes
6,871
AFL Club
Richmond
Other Teams
Richmond
#21
The season really hasn't started...... the next 8 weeks will determine who is a pretender and who is a legitimate chance.

I'm not convinced Adelaide can keep going..... and think they will miss out on top four making it hard for them to get in the Granny....

WC will can stay in cruise control and get a top 4 spot.... which if they play their cards right will also hand them a home prelim.... almost guaranteeing GF spot..... Which leaves 1 spot left.

That spot is very much open.......


On a side note when is the last time Richmond made the finals and failed to make atleast the prelim?????
 

Rodney Dangerfield

Brownlow Medallist
Joined
Mar 28, 2005
Posts
29,907
Likes
65,100
Location
Melbourne
AFL Club
Richmond
Other Teams
Liverpool,Bournemouth
#22
I'm all for keeping the civilisation of the conversation - it's what stops us from looking stupid. I'm not trying to overhype us, but I guess it is inevitable when I talk about starting a big winning streak before it's started and the effects of the ensuing momentum and belief. My point is, I can see it happening.

Granted the way I wrote it was intended to provoke conversation, otherwise I would've started with "If we beat the saints, we will make finals this year," so I understand your cringe and apologise.

However I've noticed that any opinions made on here with any optimism get torn down, even if the optimism is warranted. I know the optimism isn't warranted for a potential premiership, but it could be soon - I'm talking two steps ahead here. The optimism for finals I believe is real now.

But then again, it could all be torn down just as easily. It's a game, anything could happen. Anything.

My realistic expectation: We will be in the contest for finals, we may just miss out or we may just make it. Anything less is a disappointment, and anything more is above expectations.
There is just a lot of a bitter, twisted,burnt out generation in here that can't allow themselves to look past their nose when it comes to Richmond. I'm one of them.
But I'm sure everyone loves your outlook and good on you for putting it out there.Can only speak for myself but sometimes I allow myself the little pleasure of daring to dream and moreso with this current bunch,but I have an inbuilt mechanism that smacks myself across the melon in an instant and kills the joy.

There is a window ajar though no doubting that.
 

Madtiger2006

Brownlow Medallist
Joined
Dec 18, 2005
Posts
20,255
Likes
11,079
AFL Club
Richmond
Other Teams
Richmond
#23
Been saying for 12 months we have the makings of a great list. Expected us to fill some holes in the recent draft. This is the best list we've had while I've been supporting the club for sure. We have the makings of a powerful era. Cotchin, Martin, Deledio, Foley, Grigg, I Maric is just about the best midfield going around now. When Grimes and Batchelor come back and Griffiths has a few more games in defence our midfield and defence will be almost unstoppable. Watch out when Vickery hits form and Post becomes our third tall forward. Exciting times ahead
 

T4P

Club Legend
Joined
Mar 24, 2008
Posts
2,460
Likes
981
Location
Australia
AFL Club
Richmond
Thread starter #24
It's extremely unlikely but I like your optimism. It would require a few more injuries to Collingwood but the club has shown that it can match it with pretty much the best in the league so far. West Coast at Subi and Adelaide at AAMI would be very tough and very likely if the flag was up for grabs.

We need to remember though that this year the best 22 has had an average age of just 23.90 years and is the youngest (non GC/GWS) side in the comp. And with youth comes inconsistency. Although I'd say a game against the Hawks, Cats, Dons or even the Blues (with Murphy out) at the MCG is probably a 50-50 game, 3 in a row is asking a bit much.
That's what has had me stymied so far this year, we've been consistent except for three main times:
The last 20mins against Carlton
5 minutes against the Pies
The first half against Essendon

I can't help but think of Geelong's 2007. Poor start in the win/loss way, but after a big win around this time of the season went on a huge winning streak. I can see the links, and I can see us getting momentum from a winning streak with the draw we have. Not many thought much of Geelong before that win. Afterwards they were a powerhouse. I can see us doing similar, but in not such an extreme way, at a lesser extent. For the people who may interpret this the wrong way, I'd like to emphasise that this is to point out what happened, not likening us to that team in any other way. We are not at the level of that Geelong team and never will be.
It's the power of belief and momentum.
 

Rodney Dangerfield

Brownlow Medallist
Joined
Mar 28, 2005
Posts
29,907
Likes
65,100
Location
Melbourne
AFL Club
Richmond
Other Teams
Liverpool,Bournemouth
#25
The season really hasn't started...... the next 8 weeks will determine who is a pretender and who is a legitimate chance.

I'm not convinced Adelaide can keep going..... and think they will miss out on top four making it hard for them to get in the Granny....

WC will can stay in cruise control and get a top 4 spot.... which if they play their cards right will also hand them a home prelim.... almost guaranteeing GF spot..... Which leaves 1 spot left.

That spot is very much open.......


On a side note when is the last time Richmond made the finals and failed to make atleast the prelim?????
1977 would be it.Beat south then lost to North.
God.... South!! We are going back.
 
Top Bottom