fightingfury_88
Community Leader
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- #1
I did this a few seasons ago (2014) and thought it might be a bit of fun to do something similar this season.
The idea is pretty simple with the player ranked number one being the player who I feel is most important to the team and likely to be one of the first players picked while the player who is at number 45 is the player who I feel is least important to the team and unlikely to be selected in the Richmond AFL team. After each completed match I aim to update these rankings to reflect any changes. The number inside brackets represents the change from the previous ranking for that player, with a positive number meaning a move up the rankings and a negative number meaning a move down the rankings. There's not really a lot of science to the whole process, it's just my opinion on where each playing is sitting in the Richmond hierarchy. It's also based purely on this season so does not take into account age or contract differences between players.
The whole purpose of this list is to just generate a bit of discussion between supporters so feel free to critique anything on my list or even better, try to come up with a ranking of your own.
Possible Round 1 Team
B: Dylan Grimes - Alex Rance - Nick Vlastuin
HB: Jayden Short - David Astbury - Bachar Houli
C: Kane Lambert - Dion Prestia - Shaun Grigg
HF: Shane Edwards - Tom Lynch - Daniel Rioli
F: Josh Caddy - Jack Riewoldt - Jack Higgins
R: Toby Nankervis - Dustin Martin - Trent Cotchin
INT: Kamdyn McIntosh - Dan Butler - Jack Graham - Brandon Ellis
EMG: Nathan Broad - Jason Castagna - Ryan Garthwaite - Ivan Soldo
IN: NIL
OUT: NIL
The idea is pretty simple with the player ranked number one being the player who I feel is most important to the team and likely to be one of the first players picked while the player who is at number 45 is the player who I feel is least important to the team and unlikely to be selected in the Richmond AFL team. After each completed match I aim to update these rankings to reflect any changes. The number inside brackets represents the change from the previous ranking for that player, with a positive number meaning a move up the rankings and a negative number meaning a move down the rankings. There's not really a lot of science to the whole process, it's just my opinion on where each playing is sitting in the Richmond hierarchy. It's also based purely on this season so does not take into account age or contract differences between players.
The whole purpose of this list is to just generate a bit of discussion between supporters so feel free to critique anything on my list or even better, try to come up with a ranking of your own.
Rank | Last Week | Weekly Change | Player | Notes | Jumper No. | Preseason Rank | Season Change |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 0 | Alex Rance | 5 time All Australian, co-vice captain and the leader of the best backline in the competition; not much more you can say really. The real beauty about Rance is his ability to defend multiple players or positions at once by reading the play as it unfolds. | 18 | 1 | 0 | |
2 | 0 | Dustin Martin | One of the most damaging midfielders in the competition and an absolute brute when pushed forward. His importance to the team was only highlighted further by his off performance in the preliminary final. | 4 | 2 | 0 | |
3 | 0 | Jack Riewoldt | The heartbeat of the side. 2018 was probably Jack's greatest season to date. Coleman medal, Jack Dyer medal winner and another All-Australian nod for the leader of the forward line. The only reason Riewoldt isn't number 1 on this list is because of the arrival of a certain other key forward lowering Jack's importance to the side just a little. | 8 | 3 | 0 | |
4 | 0 | Tom Lynch | The biggest acquisition at Tigerland since Nathan Brown? It's possible. Richmond have been crying out for a second key forward and now have one of the best in the league in Lynch. Heir apparent to Riewoldt and will prove hugely valuable with his ability to work up and down the ground all day. Might take a while to fully click with his fellow forwards, but it'll be worth the wait. Make no mistake, Lynch is a star. | 19 | 4 | 0 | |
5 | 0 | Trent Cotchin | On pure performance Trent Cotchin would probably be lower down on this list, but his leadership and ability to step up his performance in big games bumps him up in importance. Arguably the best captain in the league. | 9 | 5 | 0 | |
6 | 0 | Kane Lambert | Criminally underrated by both Richmond and opposition supporters alike. Runs all day, links up in possession chains and has an uncanny knack for kicking a goal or two. Just look at his last two Jack Dyer medal results (3rd and 2nd respectively) to see how highly he is rated by the club. | 23 | 6 | 0 | |
7 | 0 | Toby Nankervis | Was a revelation when he arrived to the club from Sydney in 2017. Quickly overtook Maric as the number 1 ruck option and hasn't looked back. An absolute work horse who can push forward when required, the only question is who will be his backup ruck now that new ruck rules are in place for 2019. | 25 | 7 | 0 | |
8 | 0 | David Astbury | The Robin to Rance's Batman. Astbury finally started getting kudos from those outside of Tigerland in 2018 after backing up his great 2017 season with an even better 2018. Amazing to think he was nearly traded to Brisbane a few years ago. Generally takes the opposition's best key forward, allowing Rance to play more of a roaming defender role. Let's just pray that Astbury stays well clear of any gastro bug in 2019. | 12 | 8 | 0 | |
9 | 0 | Shane Edwards | The most creative player on the list. I could watch those tight handballs in traffic all day which more often than not puts teammates into space and breaks the play open. It's been a slow burn for Edwards but we saw perhaps his best season in 2018, culminating in All Australian selection. | 10 | 9 | 0 | |
10 | 0 | Dion Prestia | It cost Richmond an early pick when he was traded into the club but despite the injury worries it's been worth it. A premiership in hist first season at the club followed up by a 2018 that built on his late 2017 form. While his attacking play is solid, it's his defensive running and efforts that make Prestia one of the first picked midfielders in the team. | 3 | 10 | 0 | |
11 | 0 | Dylan Grimes | Could and maybe should be higher on this list but I just couldn't work out who to drop down for him. After overcoming injuries early in his career, Grimes has now become one of Richmond's most versatile and dependable defenders. Tall, small, fast or strong; Grimes can play on all types. If you're lucky enough to stumble upon a Dylan Grimes highlights clip, you'll find that there's no high flying marks or spectacular goals but instead filled with run down chases, spoils and pure desperation acts. It's wonderful. A broken nose suffered in training has required Grimes to wear a Batman-like face mask at times but it's had little if any interruption on his pre-season. | 2 | 11 | 0 | |
12 | 0 | Josh Caddy | Probably had his best year in 2018. Originally brought to the club as a big-bodied midfielder, instead Caddy has shined as a quasi key forward. Probably most dangerous when the ball is in the air where he can use his strength to mark the ball against smaller opponents. 2019 will be an interesting year for Caddy with his role likely to change with the addition of Lynch to the forward line. Does this mean more midfield minutes for Caddy? An ankle injury has sidelined Caddy for a few weeks and makes him touch and go for round 1. | 22 | 12 | 0 | |
13 | 0 | Nick Vlastuin | Another player I'd love to put higher on this list. Remember the days when fans would scream for Vlastuin to play more in the midfield; or the time he spent a good month as a forward? Crazy to think now as Vlastuin has established himself as a courageous and dependable backman. One of the best marks at the club and a solid decision maker. A huge reason Richmond's backline is as good as it is. | 1 | 13 | 0 | |
14 | 0 | Jayden Short | A breakout year from Short in 2018 saw him add his long kicking and running skills to the backline where he found himself one of the designated kicks out of defence. Quickly became a fan favourite with his skills allowing the team to break the play open at times. Will be looking to bounce back from a somewhat disappointing first finals series and solidify himself in the best 22 for 2019. | 15 | 14 | 0 | |
15 | 0 | Daniel Rioli | The leader of the mosquito fleet may be one of the more talented players on the list. Deadly around goals, beautiful foot skills and to top things off a wonderful tank to run out the game. That tank could and should see Rioli play more midfield minutes in the years to come. | 17 | 15 | 0 | |
16 | 0 | Jack Higgins | Can you have a breakout season in your first AFL year? If so then Higgins had exactly that in 2018. Started the year a little slowly, debuting in round 3 and only playing three games in the first five weeks however was a permanent fixture of the in the back half of the season. Gives his all on the field and plays on instincts, highlighted by 'that goal' against Collingwood in round 19. A huge talent who will play predominantly in the forward line with short bursts through the middle. | 13 | 16 | 0 | |
17 | 0 | Dan Butler | Butler was missed more than most probably realised at the time when he was injured late in the 2018 season. Always provides run and has some crafty moves around goal. Will never be a full time midfielder but some of his work off the back of the square has been impressive. Probably ahead of Castagna on the depth chart but a lot of competition for the small forward positions means Butler will always be fighting to hold his place in the team. | 7 | 17 | 0 | |
18 | 0 | Bachar Houli | Houli has been a great serviceman at the club for many years now with the team utilising his run and carry and long kicks from the backline. Probably in a similar position as Grigg with the younger players at the club potentially nipping at his heels. Had a bit of a down year in 2018 but has a proven track record of performing and will be a part of the best 22 until someone else forces their way in. | 14 | 18 | 0 | |
19 | 0 | Shaun Grigg | An interesting position for Grigg here. Has been a solid contributor to the club over several seasons and found a niche as a midfielder/backup ruck over the past couple of seasons. Unfortunately for Grigg however the change in ruck rules means his days as a backup ruck may be numbered. Grigg will still get games as a pure midfielder and the lack of midfield depth at the club probably sees him play most weeks however at 30 years old there may be a few younger options that begin nipping at his heels this year. An injury late in the preseason also potentially opens up an opportunity for someone to take his place in round 1. | 6 | 19 | 0 | |
20 | 0 | Kamdyn McIntosh | Not the flashiest or most talented player on the Richmond list and his skills may be a little lackng also but his huge tank and size enable him to make more contests than other midfielders in the team might. Perhaps a little underrated but also on the fringe of selection each week, Kamdyn has to and does work hard every week to ensure his name remains in the best 22. | 33 | 20 | 0 | |
21 | 0 | Jack Graham | Treaded water a little bit in 2018 after a fantastic end to 2017 but it's sometimes easy to forget that despite his big frame, 2018 was only year 2 for the midfielder. Has battled with a shoulder injury for a while now which may have also contributed to his underwhelming end to 2018. Defensively is one of the best midfielders at the club but needs to find a way to become more involved in play when Richmond have the ball. Surgery to fix his shoulder complaints coupled with more experience should have Graham primed to improve this season. | 34 | 21 | 0 | |
22 | 0 | Brandon Ellis | A switch to the midfield may be on the cards for Ellis. After years of being a consistent member and performer in Richmond's best 22, Ellis found himself on the outer in late 2018. No doubt 2019 will be Brandon's biggest challenge to date with younger options fighting for the same spot he is. How Brandon responds to this challenge will be of keen interest as a rejuvenated and motivated Ellis in the midfield or backline could be of great use to the team. | 5 | 22 | 0 | |
23 | 0 | Nathan Broad | Another of those players who has been a consistent member of the team these past few years but now finds themselves on the fringe. Perhaps a little underrated by a few, Nathan has proved himself quite capable of playing on the third tall in defence. A strong start to 2018 but tailed off late in the season before a fairly disappointing finals campaign. With plenty of candidates for the backline the heat will be on for Broad to perform early in the season in order to hold on to his position. | 35 | 23 | 0 | |
24 | 0 | Jason Castagna | Equally capable of both the amazing as he is the amazingly frustrating, Castagna has found himself a core piece of the small forward setup at Tigerland these past two years. Needs to settle a bit when he gets the ball but there is no doubt he brings the pressure when on song. For his size, Castagna is great overhead but does the arrival of Lynch negate this asset and mean Castagna gets pushed to the outer? Has been battling injury this pre-season but should be fit for round 1. | 11 | 24 | 0 | |
25 | 0 | Oleg Markov | Tipped by many to be a big breakout player this year. Markov has found games hard to come by these last few years but is a tantalising prospect with his run and athleticism off half back. Will be hoping for a big preseason in order to force his way into the round 1 team. | 31 | 25 | 0 | |
26 | 0 | Ryan Garthwaite | Mr. Consistent in the VFL team these last two years, the key defender is undobutedly next in line if Astbury or Rance need to miss a game. Made his debut for the senior team in 2018 and immediately endeared himself to the Tiger faithful with his courage and commitment to the cause. Unlikely to play early in the season but I'd expect he'll be add a few more games to his AFL tally as the season rolls along. | 42 | 26 | 0 | |
27 | 0 | Mav Weller | With the likes of Conca, Miles and Lloyd now at other clubs there is little doubt Weller was brought to the club to add a hardened body to the depth list. Delisted by St Kilda, Weller will be looking to grab his chance at Richmond and may be next in line if one or two senior midfielder-forwards miss a game. | 16 | 27 | 0 | |
28 | 0 | Connor Mendaue | Similar to Markov, Menadue has struggled to get a game in recent years and now finds himself with 1 year left on his contract and a lot to prove. Blistering pace but has lacked consistency, Connor will need a strong preseason to force his way into a fairly settled backline. | 37 | 28 | 0 | |
29 | 0 | Ivan Soldo | Has been steadily developing at VFL these last few years with a couple of AFL games sprinkled in as well. Likely to be the 2nd in the ruckman pecking order although he may be battling with Coleman-Jones for that role. Should get games when Nankervis misses but with the new ruck rules is there a chance he also plays alongside Nankervis at times? | 47 | 29 | 0 | |
30 | 0 | Jack Ross | The midfielder was taken with pick 43 by the Tigers and appears to have the body already to cope with the rigours of an AFL game. Could get games this year, particularly with the lack of midfielder depth at the club. | 27 | 30 | 0 | |
31 | 0 | Riley Collier-Dawkins | Richmond's first pick in the draft, pick 20 overall has earned raving reviews in his first pre-season and could very well be a smokey for the Round 1 team. The tall midfielder appears to like the contested ball where he uses his size and skills to get free and move the ball on. Make no mistake, 2019 is a development year; Riley still has a lot to learn and needs to build a bigger tank but don't be surprised to see Collier-Dawkins play a few games here and there this season. | 26 | 31 | 0 | |
32 | 0 | Jacob Townsend | Just scraped onto the Richmond list for another year after initially being delisted. The cult hero isn't a regular in the Richmond senior team but the lack of proven footballers on th depth list may see Townsend play a game or two this year. Will undobutedly be a leader for the VFL team when he plays there as well. | 21 | 32 | 0 | |
33 | 0 | Shai Bolton | May be one of the most talented players on the Richmond list. An absolute ripper of a speccy taken by Shai in the VFL underlined the athleticism this kid has but at this stage just hasn't quite shown the consistency required at AFL level yet. Has spent the majority of his time up forward but pushed into the midfield at VFL level last year. Could that be Shai's true position? | 29 | 33 | 0 | |
34 | 0 | Callum Moore | Just where does Moore sit in the Richmond pecking order now? With Lynch and Riewoldt locks in the 22 you get the feeling Callum only gets games when one of the aforementioned players misses. Is it possible at all that Moore plays alongside Riewoldt and Lynch this season? I'd back Moore in to get a game at some point in 2019 but whenever that happens he's going to need to take his chance. | 36 | 34 | 0 | |
35 | 0 | Liam Baker | Surprisingly broke through for a few games mid-year and showed some promise as a small forward. At the moment probably doesn't have the tank to play midfield which means he will find it hard to play senior games with several other small forwards ahead of him in the pecking order. | 48 | 35 | 0 | |
36 | 0 | Noah Balta | The hype around Balta makes me want to move him higher up on this list but at this point he is unproven at AFL level and probably behind several players who play a similar role that he does. The size, athleticism and booming kick have Balta pegged as one of the more exciting prospects on the Richmond list and with his ability to play at either end of the ground he's likely to get an opportunity at some point this season. | 38 | 36 | 0 | |
37 | 0 | Luke English | Had a prolific juniour campaign in WA where the midfielder had an uncanny knack for finding plenty of the ball. The hard working midfielder will likely start the year in the VFL but with a string of good games coud push his case for senior selection. | 32 | 37 | 0 | |
38 | 0 | Callum Coleman-Jones | I've got him as ruck number 3 in the ruck hierarchy but in reality he could be battling with Soldo for that number 2 position. The athletic big showed some promise in the VFL last season but needs to put some consistently good games together at the level to really threaten breaking into the senior team. | 40 | 38 | 0 | |
39 | 0 | Patrick Naish | Developed nicely in the VFL last year but with his small frame and similar players above in the pecking order still looks a little off debuting. May get a game at some point this season but I'm banking on 2019 being another development year for the son of Chris Naish. | 45 | 39 | 0 | |
40 | 0 | Fraser Turner | Probably the least ready of the 2018 draft crop, Turner's first season at the club will likely be one of development in the VFL. The midfielder seems to have had a solid first pre-season at the club and it will be interesting to see if he gets a crack in the JLT series. | 28 | 40 | 0 | |
41 | 0 | Sydney Stack | He might have been the last player added to the list, but Stack's raw talent probably makes him a better chance to get a senior game in 2019 than a few other players. Exciting prospect who can play midfield or forward but the Richmond team is fairly well stocked for both positions at this point. | 44 | 41 | 0 | |
42 | 0 | Jake Aarts | The mature aged draftee was seemingly rewarded for several strong seasons in the Richmond VFL team by being selected as a rookie with Richmond's first selection. Behind quite a few forwards on the list but maybe could fill the Sam Lloyd role as that medium sized forward. | 39 | 42 | 0 | |
43 | 0 | Ben Miller | The key tall draftee settled into defence for the VFL team in 2018 where he formed a formidable key defensive duo alongside Ryan Gathwaite. Still plenty of room to learn his role and as a key defender is unlikely to see much action in the AFL with the likes of Rance, Astbury and Garthwaite all ahead of him. | 46 | 43 | 0 | |
44 | 0 | Mabior Chol | Maybe lucky to retain his spot on the list after initially being delisted by the Tigers. Perhaps this could be the wake up call Mabior needs as he has shown the occasional flash of brilliance at VFL these past couple of years. | 41 | 44 | 0 | |
45 | 0 | Derek Eggmolesse-Smith | 2018 was almost complety ruined by injury for Eggmolesse-Smith but was lucky enough to string a few games together late in the VFL season. Coming from a long way back and will need to ply his trade in the VFL for a while yet. | 43 | 45 | 0 |
Possible Round 1 Team
B: Dylan Grimes - Alex Rance - Nick Vlastuin
HB: Jayden Short - David Astbury - Bachar Houli
C: Kane Lambert - Dion Prestia - Shaun Grigg
HF: Shane Edwards - Tom Lynch - Daniel Rioli
F: Josh Caddy - Jack Riewoldt - Jack Higgins
R: Toby Nankervis - Dustin Martin - Trent Cotchin
INT: Kamdyn McIntosh - Dan Butler - Jack Graham - Brandon Ellis
EMG: Nathan Broad - Jason Castagna - Ryan Garthwaite - Ivan Soldo
IN: NIL
OUT: NIL