Chris Newman

[RichosGuns]

Wow. I think many of us had our doubts about him being captain with most of us seeing him us just a stop gap until Deledio or Cotchin were ready. His first year as captain saw him go through more troubles then most captains do in their entire career.

But in hindsight what a decision it has been. His past couple of months of football have been inspiring and his game today was probably the best game i have seen from him. 2 HUGE goals and didn't lose a 1-on-1 contest. I get the feeling he is really starting to lead and is becoming the player he looked like becoming as an eager 22 year old before he got "Bowdenised."

Post your man love here.

 

[mcuzzy]

people were stupid to doubt him as a captain

 

[metallichris]

One of my favourites. Definite man-love.

 

[Crumden]

I've potted him a fair bit in the past and thought he was a poor choice for captain, particularly as he tended to go missing in games a fair bit. But this year he has taken his game up a notch and has made me eat my words. He is playing as a captain should. Probably in our top 3 for the B&F at the moment.

 

[Cotchin 9]

Can kick a ball.

 

[Big Bad Buddy]

Never doubted his ability as a player or as a captain of the club. Lead from the front today and stood up when he needed too, handy game from him today.

 

[robrito]

Footywise I think he's been fantastic. Personalitywise I think he was the best choice of what we had, which has turned out better than hoped. The Richmond players were apparently a notoriosly quiet group over the last few years, and Richo (we all love him) is not a super confident or outgoing guy and really would have had too many ups and downs so hence was overlooked. Deledio seems a little reluctant to take on the role, but seems more confident and natural with every new speaking engagement he gets. I think Newman was the most stable personality at the time, and Foley just behind him but a bit young at the time.

I think Richmond had decided that the young guys needed to have a little bit of liveliness and personality aaround them, hence they're keeping hold of Cousins so that it builds the young guys characters too. Dimma has talked about 'winning habits', like picking each other off the ground, and being comforatble in each others company (ie, having dinner together as a group when travelling). This hasn't happened so much in the past.

I also noted they got Greg Stafford in to consult on the new coach position and sit in on a few of the interviews last year. Staff has a great personality and was probably a bit alone at the club in that regard, and I think Tony Free and others acknowledged this with his inclusion.

Hence, Richmond realises one of its problems was character in the group.

It needed a stable personality when choosing the captain. Newman is not the loudest guy, but he's a good guy who is confident in himself, which is a great role model for the rest of the group and which I think a lot of the young guys can learn a lot from.

 

[TIAGRA]

onin the lower half of truly impressive captains performances but a welcome run of form nonetheless.
Leadership is being shown.

 

[TimeFor11]

Very sexy last term.

 

[dothebowdenshuffle]

Easy to say "I always knew he could" when we're winning, but I have always loved his character, skill and decision making. Sure he has been disappointing at times, but I always knew he would fight back and redeem himself. Was really happy for him when we beat Lions and Newy starred and Fev played so crap, cos fev was rubbing his nose in it a fair bit last year when he booted 9 against us. Plus he held firm in what can only be described as the baptism of fire from hell last year re "welcome to the captaincy". I believe he could be a Luke Hodge type - flawless left foot kicking skills, tough, brave, good one on one, can kick clutch goals - now appears to have the opportunity to grow with confidence that comes from winning. Will be one of our best captains for years.

 

[Strawbs]

I never doubted the wisdom of naming Newman the captain. Even when we were at our lowest he regularly backed into packs and filled the hole in front of KPFs. That's leading by example. It reminds me of when Harley was voted best captain in the league - reckon he would have won that poll had he been OUR captain? And nobody questioned Sam Mitchell's captaincy credentials until Hawthorn went off the boil. Oh and good to see Newman kicked two 'captain's goals' today - who the hell else can kick a 'captain's goal' - the vice-captain? the coach?

 

[DerpWerls]

Very sexy last term.

Almost.... delicious ?

 

[Katimm3]

love him!
suprised he played, sounded really sick at training the day before
glad he did though

 

[TOOs_Finest]

But in hindsight what a decision it has been. His past couple of months of football have been inspiring and his game today was probably the best game i have seen from him. 2 HUGE goals and didn't lose a 1-on-1 contest. I get the feeling he is really starting to lead and is becoming the player he looked like becoming as an eager 22 year old before he broke his leg in two places a few years back, Nathan Brown style. **"

Post your man love here.

**EFA

A lot of people forget this fact.

 

[Spagman]

wow i'd completely forgotten that.. amazing.

 

[tugga]

Not bad for a No 55 draft pick.

 

[True Thylacine]

IMHO the most underrated player in the AFL. Remember him playing for Australia a few years back and Sheedy raving about him. Just doesnt get the recognition he deserves, almost never beaten one on one.

 

[tiggywigs]

I will put my hand up as one who was convinced that he seemed a good player who was becoming buried under the weight of the captaincy role. His last three or four games have been outstanding and he is definitely leading from the front atm. His last game was elite standard. Time will tell, but the egg on your face can taste surprisingly good when it might be part of a premiership omlette.

 

[PUNTROADHAMMER]

He is humble. Humility garners respect. The respect of one's players is vital.

Newman, Hardwick, and Gale are resolute - we're going places...

 

[The Cotchin Supremacy]

Very impressive upper management we are developing.

 

[Spielvogel]

will get better as the team gets better

 

[sante]

Has really lifted of late. Is definately leading the way and you can see he bleeds Yellow and Black.

 

[Jisha]

I have said it all along, the man bleeds yellow and black and absolutely deserves to be wearing the number 17. I feel 100% safe when he has the ball and I know that he will put in 120% every single time he is near the ball.

Absolutely love the man

 

[Bazzar]

Possible AA this year with Jack and Lids

 

[Spagman]

I've been critical of Chris in the past as well and happy to be proven completely wrong.

This is just another plus for us, it's not just the young kids like Martin, Nason etc gaining experience, confidence and respect, but the 'older' players as well. Hard to believe he's already pushing 170 games already... you forget how long he's been with the Tigers.