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[Rodney Dangerfield]

I’m only responding to you bc I have a high respect for you as a person and not wanting to feed this thread. I really think it’s great that people are up and about and you may ask why???
Well I believe the majority of this board are young and may have been too young to remember our last finals win under Frawley and even if they did a lot of shit happened since. I think they suffered more than people like my parents and people of our ages in the 40-60 bracket. We were at least lucky enough to experience the great Tiger sides of Hafey through to our 1980 flag. I admire the parents family and friends who kept these people as Tigers and their faith themselves to hang in. We’ve copped so much abuse over the years I think every Tiger supporter is entitled to have their year(s) in the Sun. People on here may think I’m anti KDH , but I will admire every single person that was involved in that 2017 flag and be forever grateful for their great achievements. They changed my life and my kids experienced something of greatness, especially the girls 20down to 14 as they thought we would be a basket case for eternity.
If people are taking the piss out of opposition supporters and think we’re the bees knees then I say good on them bc they deserve the honour and privilege.

I think you’re right mate and I keep telling myself that that are many young people on here. I have no issue with them wanting to take the piss at all, good luck to them.
But it is getting hard to talk about footy . You aren’t allowed to even consider other teams being ok or anything good at all lol.
And you know as well as I do that what is coming our way anytime we lose will be on a Grand scale of biblical proportions. I just hope they’re ready for one! And don’t go all Dave Warner when it happens.

 

[Rodney Dangerfield]

You want to talk footy? This is the thread isn’t it?

I’m talking about discussion in other threads such as match threads or opposition analysis threads. I don’t really have much to say about this thread.
To me the way the players play speaks for itself and there isn’t anything for me to add really apart from saying the season is long and a lot of shit can happen.

 

[Cdog71]

You want to talk footy? This is the thread isn’t it?

I don't consider it "The Thread" and won't consider it "A thread".
I think you should give your time and thoughts to your own club.
I don't see the merit in you spending so much time and effort over here.

 

[Sterge]

Grow up the lot of you, he made a decent OP so either respond in kind or go find another thread

 

[demondavey]

Certainly. I mean, Nankervis is the obvious one -- I don't have to say anything about why he was drafted. But there's also Caddy, Prestia, Miles, Lloyd, etc. Each of those guys do a slightly different thing, but I'm sure they were drafted with an end in mind.

What really stands out to me, though, is the conversation which occurred between the Richmond drafting and coaching people early last year. The story runs, basically, that the coaching staff sat down with the drafting people and asked the question: "What sort of players have we been chasing and why?"

The answer to that question (runners with elite endurance) played a huge part in determining how the Tigers game-plan was redeveloped in 2017.

From that you can make two observations:

1. Players have certainly been drafted based on particular traits.

2. It was only when the coaching department started levering off those traits that the lesser lights really began to shine.

So I think it's easy to fall into a kind of "cart before the horse" thinking about Richmond in 2017.

The "orthodox" way of thinking about building a team would be (a) set your game plan, and then (b) recruit the players you need to implement it. But it seems to me that for Richmond it kind of worked the other way around: (a) recruit your players, and then (a) set a game-plan that plays to their strengths.

That's a very simplistic take on it, of course, but it does suggest to me that what we've recruited over the last half decade or so is a bunch of players who certainly have their own individual talents but who are still, in many ways, very strong on a few core abilities based around running and endurance.

With a coaching department that seems to have cracked the secret to how to best utilize those individual talents in a whole team performance it means (in my opinion, of course) that it's not quite so necessary to draft guys to play specific roles. Instead, we seem to draft guys who are close to a certain type (runners with good football skills) who are then coached to play the particular role the team needs them to play.

That's how you end up with guys like Caddy, Cotch and Dusty who are equally comfortable playing in the middle or at full-forward. They each do that in different ways, but they all do it quite effectively.

Bottom line: I don't know that we draft guys to play particular roles, instead we seem to me to draft guys with particular traits who are capable of playing different roles depending upon requirements. I think it's an astute combination of versatility in the players, and shrewd coaching to get them to make a strong team contribution.

Edit: just to add. The instance of Lake going to Hawthorn was an interesting one. He certainly was chased to fill a role. I think Richmond are perhaps fortunate that we already have two guys who fill the two hardest to fill roles: Reiwoldt and Rance. Almost every other position on the field can be filled by guys who are B graders, but you do need (I think) a real quality forward and a real quality defender. If you don't have them, you have to chase them. As Richmond already have them, we've been fortunate that we haven't had to draft "role players" as such. Oh, you also need a quality ruck -- so in a sense recruiting Nank is our equivalent of Hawthorn recruiting Lake. Other than ruck, FF and FB I don't know that players need very position specific skills.

I like the concept you're putting forward. That of drafting particular players and pushing them into your blueprint for success, whereas i think Hawthorn had a blueprint and then drafted players to accomodate. Maybe Hardwick and co has said 'we need complete versatility', meaning that we need the guy that can play anywhere. When you think about it, you have them all.

Martin
Cotchin
Prestia
Caddy
Grigg
Lambert
McIntosh

Just 7 names that i look at and see as versatile. Goal kicking midfielders, guys that can play from half back, and then obviously pure midfielders.

I think the defenders though are pretty blue chip defenders aren't they? That seems to be the part that isn't interchangeable. I mean Rance isn't going through the midfield or half forward is he? But that isn't a requirement because you have so much depth through other areas.

I wonder if it is a moneyball type strategy?

I personally highly rate the attacking model with a rock solid defence. And i think you can only be that high intensity attacking team if you have a premier defence. That is why i think your most important player is Rance, now 2 years ago i would have said Rance wasn't a premier defender compared to others that have gone by, but now i think he is the most valuable player in your team. You can only have that attacking gameplan with tenacity when you have a backline that can absorb the heat when it gets turned over and the opposition attacks. Vlaustin, Astbury and Grimes are elite role players and just have a 'team first' mentality and are prepared to do the heavy lifting to get the ball moving the other way. Rance is your rolls royce, the other lads are the ever reliable toyota corolla's that just keep on keeping on.

You also have the priceless ingredient in 'buy in', you have no individuals and total team unity. I think you'll find a lot of people that will say that your game style will burn you out, but elite fitness is the key and the condition your players are in is brilliant. Even if your game plan only lasts another year before another team develops another revolutionary menthod, and you manage to snare another flag, well job done.

 

[captain blood 17]

I’ll just say this, do we want the board to become like the Carlton board or Bombers board etc, etc? Because i think we are on our way if this is how we’re gonna treat posters.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[parmy2balmey]

richmond only need to make top 4 and it's home finals all the way to the flag, that's the rules

 

[demondavey]

Well apparently 34% of opposition players expect Richmond to tumble down the ladder. If that doesn’t spur them on nothing will.

I hope that the fact their fellow players don’t rate them a chance for back to back will hopefully make them even hungrier.

I don’t buy that. I actually think that’s the WB flag mentality, presuming you’ll fail in 2018 like they did in 2017.

You’re in far better condition than they were and you’ve got a better connection with your coach. We beat the WB in a practice match last year and they positively rubbish. Form carried through.

 

[muzhogg]

I like the concept you're putting forward. That of drafting particular players and pushing them into your blueprint for success, whereas i think Hawthorn had a blueprint and then drafted players to accomodate. Maybe Hardwick and co has said 'we need complete versatility', meaning that we need the guy that can play anywhere. When you think about it, you have them all.

Martin
Cotchin
Prestia
Caddy
Grigg
Lambert
McIntosh

Just 7 names that i look at and see as versatile. Goal kicking midfielders, guys that can play from half back, and then obviously pure midfielders.

I think the defenders though are pretty blue chip defenders aren't they? That seems to be the part that isn't interchangeable. I mean Rance isn't going through the midfield or half forward is he? But that isn't a requirement because you have so much depth through other areas.

I wonder if it is a moneyball type strategy?

I personally highly rate the attacking model with a rock solid defence. And i think you can only be that high intensity attacking team if you have a premier defence. That is why i think your most important player is Rance, now 2 years ago i would have said Rance wasn't a premier defender compared to others that have gone by, but now i think he is the most valuable player in your team. You can only have that attacking gameplan with tenacity when you have a backline that can absorb the heat when it gets turned over and the opposition attacks. Vlaustin, Astbury and Grimes are elite role players and just have a 'team first' mentality and are prepared to do the heavy lifting to get the ball moving the other way. Rance is your rolls royce, the other lads are the ever reliable toyota corolla's that just keep on keeping on.

You also have the priceless ingredient in 'buy in', you have no individuals and total team unity. I think you'll find a lot of people that will say that your game style will burn you out, but elite fitness is the key and the condition your players are in is brilliant. Even if your game plan only lasts another year before another team develops another revolutionary menthod, and you manage to snare another flag, well job done.

I'll just emphasize what I said about FF, FB, and ruck -- namely that they are possibly the only three positions where you need _very_ position specific skills. As you observe, we're very fortunate in having Rance and I think you're dead right that without him our backline would be in dire straights. Our other backs are good quality, to be sure, but they're nowhere near as important as Rance. Consequently, I agree with your comments on our defence -- I think you're 100% correct.

I'd say the same about our forward line and Reiwoldt. What he does is invaluable. Most people don't see it, I think, because they still think his role is to score five or more goals a game. But it's not. His job is really to do up forward something similar to what Rance does down back: to "rove" that part of the ground, create contests, and be the "captain" at that end. If we lost Jack it would have far more impact than simply loosing the 2 and a bit goals per game that he now averages.

Rinse and repeat those comments for Nankervis. We needed a quality ruck and Nank has delivered that in spades.

So, that said: I do think it's the versatility of the rest of the squad that has made our success possible. Most of the team really has two or three guys who can play their position and do it more than adequately, and that really forces each and every player to press hard to maintain their spot.

Then add to that the buy-in which you rightly mention, and the physical conditioning (which seems pretty top notch), and it makes for a very good team.

Perhaps it's the fact that there are only a few individuals who we could call "indispensable" that has led so many people to dismiss Richmond as a team of average players, I don't know. But on that claim I'd say two things: yeah, our average player might only be average, but that's true of every other team in the competition. Nobody has 22 A graders -- not even GWS or the Suns despite things being virtually set up to achieve exactly this. Which leads to the second thing: it's all about team effort. "A champion team will beat a team of champions every time" might be a cliche, but it's still true. I think Richmond have the team thing happening at 100% (or near enough!) and that makes most of the talk about the quality of our players entirely beside the point. The fact is that we enjoy quite a bit of depth precisely because the way we play doesn't depend on having a list stacked with A graders.

 

[demondavey]

I'll just emphasize what I said about FF, FB, and ruck -- namely that they are possibly the only three positions where you need _very_ position specific skills. As you observe, we're very fortunate in having Rance and I think you're dead right that without him our backline would be in dire straights. Our other backs are good quality, to be sure, but they're nowhere near as important as Rance. Consequently, I agree with your comments on our defence -- I think you're 100% correct.

I'd say the same about our forward line and Reiwoldt. What he does is invaluable. Most people don't see it, I think, because they still think his role is to score five or more goals a game. But it's not. His job is really to do up forward something similar to what Rance does down back: to "rove" that part of the ground, create contests, and be the "captain" at that end. If we lost Jack it would have far more impact than simply loosing the 2 and a bit goals per game that he now averages.

Rinse and repeat those comments for Nankervis. We needed a quality ruck and Nank has delivered that in spades.

So, that said: I do think it's the versatility of the rest of the squad that has made our success possible. Most of the team really has two or three guys who can play their position and do it more than adequately, and that really forces each and every player to press hard to maintain their spot.

Then add to that the buy-in which you rightly mention, and the physical conditioning (which seems pretty top notch), and it makes for a very good team.

Perhaps it's the fact that there are only a few individuals who we could call "indispensable" that has led so many people to dismiss Richmond as a team of average players, I don't know. But on that claim I'd say two things: yeah, our average player might only be average, but that's true of every other team in the competition. Nobody has 22 A graders -- not even GWS or the Suns despite things being virtually set up to achieve exactly this. Which leads to the second thing: it's all about team effort. "A champion team will beat a team of champions every time" might be a cliche, but it's still true. I think Richmond have the team thing happening at 100% (or near enough!) and that makes most of the talk about the quality of our players entirely beside the point. The fact is that we enjoy quite a bit of depth precisely because the way we play doesn't depend on having a list stacked with A graders.

Great post

 

[GoTigers2015]

https://www.theroar.com.au/2018/06/23/back-back-premierships-feasibility-rather-fantasy/

Back-to-back premierships a feasibility rather than fantasy

It has become apparent at the midway point of the 2018 home-and-away season that Richmond are building a supremacy among others in the AFL.

The Richmond side are sitting pretty coming into their bye weekend with ten wins and three losses, with a colossus of a percentage of 135.01 per cent (six per cent more than second), exhibiting they still have the hunger and firepower to lift the cup again, and to achieve back-to-back flags for their first time since 1974.

The Tigers are sitting in better shape than this time last year, have picked up enough talent upon their previous rebuilding phases, and are on their way to breaking the MCG consecutive games-won record. Most importantly are in form.

This Richmond side has what it takes to build an all-time dynasty, their game style that entails immense amounts of pressure of the ball carrier and tackles inside 50 in which can be achieved in any type of weather conditions.

With three out of the top ten leaders for tackles inside 50, no defender feels comfortable with procession in Richmond’s forward half. The Tigers didn’t sit on top of the ladder at the conclusion of any round in 2017, ultimately exhibiting they are still improving, which should be frightening for 17 other coaches.

Versatile midfield/forward Josh Caddy is in career-best form, in many mid year all Australian teams for his ability to go forward and be an option in the air (28 goals) but still win big bodied clearances in the middle.

Shane Edwards also in career best form, bound to influence any contest he enters and is leading the goal assists for the league by a country mile. If Richmond finish in the top two of the AFL ladder at the end of the home-and-away season they are assured a home qualifying final with 90,000+ die hard fans barracking passionately for their side.

With their current run of 16 consecutive wins at the MCG and in their eight wins their this year scoring under 100 points only on one occasion, it is difficult to see the yellow and black losing at the home of football.

With the top four looking likely to be 2/4 interstate teams in whom haven’t got the best history at the MCG, the expectation for Damian Hardwick’s men should to be involved on the last Saturday in September at the least.

The hunger is most certainly still their within the Tigers players, mixed with young talent, this is a perfect recipe for a long stint at the top end of the ladder. Daniel Rioli upon return only compiled a 12-disposal game but seemed to be a pivotal player in the big win against top four hopeful Geelong.

Rioli laid eight tackles, five score involvements and kicked the final goal of the game to secure the win against a desperate Geelong. Rioli’s final goal begun on the broadcast wing soccering the ball forward and the laying a huge tackle inside 50 being rewarded with the free kick.

This run of play demonstrated the hunger that he has to be apart of this side. In his first AFL game since a broken foot on grand final day Rioli could have easily let the ball trickle out of bounce and regain his breath, however impressed all onlookers with his repeat efforts and looked to run himself into the ground grasping for air lining up for goal.

The depth of the tigers is extensive with many VFL players putting their hand up to be apart of the premiership favourites. Upon being dropped this week after a poor game against Port Adelaide, 21-year-old key forward Callum Moore booted five straight in his VFL return, including one of the goals of the year.

Many small forwards blessed with speed are willing and ready to slot back into the side at any given moment, Tyson Stengel is the VFL sides leading goal kicker with 17 majors from ten games and has been able to demonstrate consistency of football at a high standard, along with Shai Bolton who has shown he is a ground ball machine but can also fly for a mark unlike anyone his size in the seconds this year.

Many will always try to dispute great teams to try and bring them back down to mortality, for Richmond their only flaw this year has been the 0-3 run interstate against Adelaide, West Coast and Port Adelaide.

However for coach Damien Hardwick this is no issue, only travelling interstate two more times this year and another six games at the MCG a top two spot is almost a guarantee. The Tigers are playing their best footy while receiving no help from the umpires, down a whopping -70 free kicks this season in the free kick differential, 30 less than 17th placed GWS, the tigers are playing a generational brand of football without any easy free kicks to help them along.

Hardwick has been through it all in his nine seasons at the helm, his job being questioned after every loss or poor performance, but now has the luxury of coaching this side each week and has the chance to win his second Jock McHale medal in as many years.

 

[THE_GUN]

https://www.theroar.com.au/2018/06/23/back-back-premierships-feasibility-rather-fantasy/

Back-to-back premierships a feasibility rather than fantasy

It has become apparent at the midway point of the 2018 home-and-away season that Richmond are building a supremacy among others in the AFL.

The Richmond side are sitting pretty coming into their bye weekend with ten wins and three losses, with a colossus of a percentage of 135.01 per cent (six per cent more than second), exhibiting they still have the hunger and firepower to lift the cup again, and to achieve back-to-back flags for their first time since 1974.

The Tigers are sitting in better shape than this time last year, have picked up enough talent upon their previous rebuilding phases, and are on their way to breaking the MCG consecutive games-won record. Most importantly are in form.

This Richmond side has what it takes to build an all-time dynasty, their game style that entails immense amounts of pressure of the ball carrier and tackles inside 50 in which can be achieved in any type of weather conditions.

With three out of the top ten leaders for tackles inside 50, no defender feels comfortable with procession in Richmond’s forward half. The Tigers didn’t sit on top of the ladder at the conclusion of any round in 2017, ultimately exhibiting they are still improving, which should be frightening for 17 other coaches.

Versatile midfield/forward Josh Caddy is in career-best form, in many mid year all Australian teams for his ability to go forward and be an option in the air (28 goals) but still win big bodied clearances in the middle.

Shane Edwards also in career best form, bound to influence any contest he enters and is leading the goal assists for the league by a country mile. If Richmond finish in the top two of the AFL ladder at the end of the home-and-away season they are assured a home qualifying final with 90,000+ die hard fans barracking passionately for their side.

With their current run of 16 consecutive wins at the MCG and in their eight wins their this year scoring under 100 points only on one occasion, it is difficult to see the yellow and black losing at the home of football.

With the top four looking likely to be 2/4 interstate teams in whom haven’t got the best history at the MCG, the expectation for Damian Hardwick’s men should to be involved on the last Saturday in September at the least.

The hunger is most certainly still their within the Tigers players, mixed with young talent, this is a perfect recipe for a long stint at the top end of the ladder. Daniel Rioli upon return only compiled a 12-disposal game but seemed to be a pivotal player in the big win against top four hopeful Geelong.

Rioli laid eight tackles, five score involvements and kicked the final goal of the game to secure the win against a desperate Geelong. Rioli’s final goal begun on the broadcast wing soccering the ball forward and the laying a huge tackle inside 50 being rewarded with the free kick.

This run of play demonstrated the hunger that he has to be apart of this side. In his first AFL game since a broken foot on grand final day Rioli could have easily let the ball trickle out of bounce and regain his breath, however impressed all onlookers with his repeat efforts and looked to run himself into the ground grasping for air lining up for goal.

The depth of the tigers is extensive with many VFL players putting their hand up to be apart of the premiership favourites. Upon being dropped this week after a poor game against Port Adelaide, 21-year-old key forward Callum Moore booted five straight in his VFL return, including one of the goals of the year.

Many small forwards blessed with speed are willing and ready to slot back into the side at any given moment, Tyson Stengel is the VFL sides leading goal kicker with 17 majors from ten games and has been able to demonstrate consistency of football at a high standard, along with Shai Bolton who has shown he is a ground ball machine but can also fly for a mark unlike anyone his size in the seconds this year.

Many will always try to dispute great teams to try and bring them back down to mortality, for Richmond their only flaw this year has been the 0-3 run interstate against Adelaide, West Coast and Port Adelaide.

However for coach Damien Hardwick this is no issue, only travelling interstate two more times this year and another six games at the MCG a top two spot is almost a guarantee. The Tigers are playing their best footy while receiving no help from the umpires, down a whopping -70 free kicks this season in the free kick differential, 30 less than 17th placed GWS, the tigers are playing a generational brand of football without any easy free kicks to help them along.

Hardwick has been through it all in his nine seasons at the helm, his job being questioned after every loss or poor performance, but now has the luxury of coaching this side each week and has the chance to win his second Jock McHale medal in as many years.

Totally Unbiased article

 

[Final Siren]

https://www.theroar.com.au/2018/06/23/back-back-premierships-feasibility-rather-fantasy/

Back-to-back premierships a feasibility rather than fantasy

It has become apparent at the midway point of the 2018 home-and-away season that Richmond are building a supremacy among others in the AFL.

The Richmond side are sitting pretty coming into their bye weekend with ten wins and three losses, with a colossus of a percentage of 135.01 per cent (six per cent more than second), exhibiting they still have the hunger and firepower to lift the cup again, and to achieve back-to-back flags for their first time since 1974.

The Tigers are sitting in better shape than this time last year, have picked up enough talent upon their previous rebuilding phases, and are on their way to breaking the MCG consecutive games-won record. Most importantly are in form.

This Richmond side has what it takes to build an all-time dynasty, their game style that entails immense amounts of pressure of the ball carrier and tackles inside 50 in which can be achieved in any type of weather conditions.

With three out of the top ten leaders for tackles inside 50, no defender feels comfortable with procession in Richmond’s forward half. The Tigers didn’t sit on top of the ladder at the conclusion of any round in 2017, ultimately exhibiting they are still improving, which should be frightening for 17 other coaches.

Versatile midfield/forward Josh Caddy is in career-best form, in many mid year all Australian teams for his ability to go forward and be an option in the air (28 goals) but still win big bodied clearances in the middle.

Shane Edwards also in career best form, bound to influence any contest he enters and is leading the goal assists for the league by a country mile. If Richmond finish in the top two of the AFL ladder at the end of the home-and-away season they are assured a home qualifying final with 90,000+ die hard fans barracking passionately for their side.

With their current run of 16 consecutive wins at the MCG and in their eight wins their this year scoring under 100 points only on one occasion, it is difficult to see the yellow and black losing at the home of football.

With the top four looking likely to be 2/4 interstate teams in whom haven’t got the best history at the MCG, the expectation for Damian Hardwick’s men should to be involved on the last Saturday in September at the least.

The hunger is most certainly still their within the Tigers players, mixed with young talent, this is a perfect recipe for a long stint at the top end of the ladder. Daniel Rioli upon return only compiled a 12-disposal game but seemed to be a pivotal player in the big win against top four hopeful Geelong.

Rioli laid eight tackles, five score involvements and kicked the final goal of the game to secure the win against a desperate Geelong. Rioli’s final goal begun on the broadcast wing soccering the ball forward and the laying a huge tackle inside 50 being rewarded with the free kick.

This run of play demonstrated the hunger that he has to be apart of this side. In his first AFL game since a broken foot on grand final day Rioli could have easily let the ball trickle out of bounce and regain his breath, however impressed all onlookers with his repeat efforts and looked to run himself into the ground grasping for air lining up for goal.

The depth of the tigers is extensive with many VFL players putting their hand up to be apart of the premiership favourites. Upon being dropped this week after a poor game against Port Adelaide, 21-year-old key forward Callum Moore booted five straight in his VFL return, including one of the goals of the year.

Many small forwards blessed with speed are willing and ready to slot back into the side at any given moment, Tyson Stengel is the VFL sides leading goal kicker with 17 majors from ten games and has been able to demonstrate consistency of football at a high standard, along with Shai Bolton who has shown he is a ground ball machine but can also fly for a mark unlike anyone his size in the seconds this year.

Many will always try to dispute great teams to try and bring them back down to mortality, for Richmond their only flaw this year has been the 0-3 run interstate against Adelaide, West Coast and Port Adelaide.

However for coach Damien Hardwick this is no issue, only travelling interstate two more times this year and another six games at the MCG a top two spot is almost a guarantee. The Tigers are playing their best footy while receiving no help from the umpires, down a whopping -70 free kicks this season in the free kick differential, 30 less than 17th placed GWS, the tigers are playing a generational brand of football without any easy free kicks to help them along.

Hardwick has been through it all in his nine seasons at the helm, his job being questioned after every loss or poor performance, but now has the luxury of coaching this side each week and has the chance to win his second Jock McHale medal in as many years.

My only complaint is that it buys into the idea that Richmond have a big MCG home advantage, which is wildly overstated. We absolutely can and will lose a game at the MCG.

What excites me is that we've been the best-performing side in the comp by a reasonable margin, looking across all games, while still not being the clear flag favourite in many people's eyes.

Anything can happen in finals, though; it will come down to that. For now I'm happy that we're setting ourselves up to have the best possible shot.

 

[GoTigers2015]

My only complaint is that it buys into the idea that Richmond have a big MCG home advantage, which is wildly overstated. We absolutely can and will lose a game at the MCG.

What excites me is that we've been the best-performing side in the comp by a reasonable margin, looking across all games, while still not being the clear flag favourite in many people's eyes.

Anything can happen in finals, though; it will come down to that. For now I'm happy that we're setting ourselves up to have the best possible shot.

This week against Sydney is a massive game. If we beat them we will have a game plus percentage advantage on third spot. The home final would be a huge advantage compared to travelling away for the qualifying final.

 

[Shazza_]

This week against Sydney is a massive game. If we beat them we will have a game plus percentage advantage on third spot. The home final would be a huge advantage compared to travelling away for the qualifying final.

inb4 us 1st vs pies 4th and they beat us

 

[Tony Harrison]

inb4 us 1st vs pies 4th and they beat us

Then rematch in the GF.

 

[energyquant]

https://www.theroar.com.au/2018/06/23/back-back-premierships-feasibility-rather-fantasy/

Back-to-back premierships a feasibility rather than fantasy

It has become apparent at the midway point of the 2018 home-and-away season that Richmond are building a supremacy among others in the AFL.

The Richmond side are sitting pretty coming into their bye weekend with ten wins and three losses, with a colossus of a percentage of 135.01 per cent (six per cent more than second), exhibiting they still have the hunger and firepower to lift the cup again, and to achieve back-to-back flags for their first time since 1974.

The Tigers are sitting in better shape than this time last year, have picked up enough talent upon their previous rebuilding phases, and are on their way to breaking the MCG consecutive games-won record. Most importantly are in form.

This Richmond side has what it takes to build an all-time dynasty, their game style that entails immense amounts of pressure of the ball carrier and tackles inside 50 in which can be achieved in any type of weather conditions.

With three out of the top ten leaders for tackles inside 50, no defender feels comfortable with procession in Richmond’s forward half. The Tigers didn’t sit on top of the ladder at the conclusion of any round in 2017, ultimately exhibiting they are still improving, which should be frightening for 17 other coaches.

Versatile midfield/forward Josh Caddy is in career-best form, in many mid year all Australian teams for his ability to go forward and be an option in the air (28 goals) but still win big bodied clearances in the middle.

Shane Edwards also in career best form, bound to influence any contest he enters and is leading the goal assists for the league by a country mile. If Richmond finish in the top two of the AFL ladder at the end of the home-and-away season they are assured a home qualifying final with 90,000+ die hard fans barracking passionately for their side.

With their current run of 16 consecutive wins at the MCG and in their eight wins their this year scoring under 100 points only on one occasion, it is difficult to see the yellow and black losing at the home of football.

With the top four looking likely to be 2/4 interstate teams in whom haven’t got the best history at the MCG, the expectation for Damian Hardwick’s men should to be involved on the last Saturday in September at the least.

The hunger is most certainly still their within the Tigers players, mixed with young talent, this is a perfect recipe for a long stint at the top end of the ladder. Daniel Rioli upon return only compiled a 12-disposal game but seemed to be a pivotal player in the big win against top four hopeful Geelong.

Rioli laid eight tackles, five score involvements and kicked the final goal of the game to secure the win against a desperate Geelong. Rioli’s final goal begun on the broadcast wing soccering the ball forward and the laying a huge tackle inside 50 being rewarded with the free kick.

This run of play demonstrated the hunger that he has to be apart of this side. In his first AFL game since a broken foot on grand final day Rioli could have easily let the ball trickle out of bounce and regain his breath, however impressed all onlookers with his repeat efforts and looked to run himself into the ground grasping for air lining up for goal.

The depth of the tigers is extensive with many VFL players putting their hand up to be apart of the premiership favourites. Upon being dropped this week after a poor game against Port Adelaide, 21-year-old key forward Callum Moore booted five straight in his VFL return, including one of the goals of the year.

Many small forwards blessed with speed are willing and ready to slot back into the side at any given moment, Tyson Stengel is the VFL sides leading goal kicker with 17 majors from ten games and has been able to demonstrate consistency of football at a high standard, along with Shai Bolton who has shown he is a ground ball machine but can also fly for a mark unlike anyone his size in the seconds this year.

Many will always try to dispute great teams to try and bring them back down to mortality, for Richmond their only flaw this year has been the 0-3 run interstate against Adelaide, West Coast and Port Adelaide.

However for coach Damien Hardwick this is no issue, only travelling interstate two more times this year and another six games at the MCG a top two spot is almost a guarantee. The Tigers are playing their best footy while receiving no help from the umpires, down a whopping -70 free kicks this season in the free kick differential, 30 less than 17th placed GWS, the tigers are playing a generational brand of football without any easy free kicks to help them along.

Hardwick has been through it all in his nine seasons at the helm, his job being questioned after every loss or poor performance, but now has the luxury of coaching this side each week and has the chance to win his second Jock McHale medal in as many years.

We only have 5 more games at the MCG, not 6.

Can't wait for Saturday afternoon in round 19 against Collingwood. We should get 90k to that. Huge!

Dave P.