This time last year...

[scarecrow2k1]

This time last year Jack Riewoldt was (or we thought was) an undersized forward, a bit of a lair, probably drafted to high and one of the worst kicks for goal in the comp.

Now he is the best mark in the comp, one of the most accurate set shots going around, a team player, our most important player, and the reigning coleman medalist.

How quickly things can change...

 

[ize_]

Our 22 included the likes of Polo, Simmonds, Tambling and Roberts in our round 3 loss to Sydney

I'm so glad those players aren't in the side now. To be honest there's not many that I look at now and wish weren't in the best team. It's a huge turn around.

 

[scarecrow2k1]

Our 22 included the likes of Polo, Simmonds, Tambling and Roberts in our round 3 loss to Sydney

I'm so glad those players aren't in the side now. To be honest there's not many that I look at now and wish weren't in the best team. It's a huge turn around.

And Dustin Martin didn't even have neck tatts yet!

 

[Lamp]

I remember the game against Saints I believe it was, when he kicked 5 or 6 and it was just the most exciting thing at the game to have a forward dominating like he was, everyone was chanting and ranting and we lost anyway but no one cared because we'd actually watched a Richmond forward do something. Now we expect it every game.

 

[scarecrow2k1]

I remember the game against Saints I believe it was, when he kicked 5 or 6 and it was just the most exciting thing at the game to have a forward dominating like he was, everyone was chanting and ranting and we lost anyway but no one cared because we'd actually watched a Richmond forward do something. Now we expect it every game.

Exactly- fast forward to this game against the Saints and he gets injured in the opening minutes and we wonder how we can win without him

 

[carn tigez]

Exactly- fast forward to this game against the Saints and he gets injured in the opening minutes and we wonder how we can win without him

Definitely true, but also the fact that against the Saints last year we had Jack and he provided the only excitement as we knew we couldn't win. This year, we didn't have Jack and nearly won. Massive turnaround really, and although it was just one game I truly believe that was our turning point. We will still cop the odd thrashing, but apart from that I think we will be competitive in every game.

The tiger is genuinely stirring now...

 

[ize_]

I remember the game against Saints I believe it was, when he kicked 5 or 6 and it was just the most exciting thing at the game to have a forward dominating like he was, everyone was chanting and ranting and we lost anyway but no one cared because we'd actually watched a Richmond forward do something. Now we expect it every game.

There's something Fishy about this Lamp character...

 

[Bazzar]

I remember the game against Saints I believe it was, when he kicked 5 or 6 and it was just the most exciting thing at the game to have a forward dominating like he was, everyone was chanting and ranting and we lost anyway but no one cared because we'd actually watched a Richmond forward do something. Now we expect it every game.

It was Kingy who kept us in that game with is 3 and 2 direct assists. He was sensational in that last half.

 

[Lamp]

There's something Fishy about this Lamp character...

Is there?

 

[TOOs_Finest]

This time last year Jack Riewoldt was (or we thought was) an undersized forward, a bit of a lair, probably drafted to high and one of the worst kicks for goal in the comp.

Speak for yaself

Just before round 1 last year, I remember having an in depth argument with a Carlton supporter who used to drop in here now and then (Malifice) about Jack. I was arguing that Jack was better than any forward they had, and he pretty much thought that was laughable. I always thought he would come good, but not so fast and so spectacularly (never expected a 10 goal haul).

I also have a sneaking suspicion that Dimma was more than happy to have Jack sit out last Fri night's game. Not that he would have instructed it, but I get the feeling he just sat back and left the decision totally in the doctor's hands, knowing full well what the docs would say given no pressure on them from the coach.

Now everything he has been trying to preach to Jack (and the whole team) over the pre-season about us being less predictable, well he has some ammo to back it up. Make no mistake, Jack is not our most important player, Dimma won't allow that of anyone. It totally defeats his purpose - your strongest link can prove be your weakest. Expect to see Jack playing all over the ground in the coming weeks. If ever we have trouble extracting the pill out of the back line, it won't be long til Jack is roaming the HB line calling for the long ball