Oh geez I am falling in love with this bloke all over again.
I know it is characteristic of Richmond suppporters to look at the future rather than now...but please just picture this starting midfield, 2013:
Maric, Cotchin, Deledio, Martin, Conca, Tuck/Foley.
Now Cotchin is even better than this year but is still not as fit as he could be/will be after another pre-season. Expect him to lift his average touches from 25 to around 30 next season and be well and truly one of the competitions very best mids and in Brownlow contention.
Deledio's output will be the same as this year - elite. Should be All Australian by year's end if this form continues and that will not change.
Martin will have another year of improvement, education and inconsistent form in his 3rd year, but will obviously be even better next year. I for one will be hoping he becomes the A-grade consistent machine next season (a-la Dangerfield) and that takes our number of absolute elite midfielders to 3.
Conca will be entering his third season and be a great contributor. Should mould his game on Marc Murphy and add depth to our starting mids next season.
Just look at that picture. Could be almost undisputably the best starting midfield of any club in the comp. With this newfound improvement of Deledio the dream is well and truly coming true. I must now change my pants.