Our AFL analyst has taken a look at Richmond and put together his case for and against the Tigers winning the flag in 2023.
THE CASE FOR
On paper, they look as strong as any team in the competition with their best 22. They have added Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper who strengthen their on ball line up which has been a weakness. This will also allow Dustin Martin and Shai Bolton to spend more time in the forward line. That pair will also take the pressure off the injury-prone Dion Prestia. Last year their backline was hampered by constant injuries to the likes of Dylan Grimes and Nick Vlaustin. They lost seven games by less than a goal last season so it won’t take much improvement for them to finish at the pointy end of the ladder. They also have key pillars in Tom Lynch and Jack Riewoldt up forward.
THE CASE AGAINST
It’s hard to restart an era and recruiting key players doesn’t always work as the Hawks have found out. The list is aging and do the likes of Jack Riewoldt, Trent Cotchin, Dylan Grimes and even Dustin Martin have another kick in them? Last season they got smashed in contested possession and their backline also ranked poorly.
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STRENGTHS
Heaps of great talented footballers headed by Dustin Martin and Shai Bolton and not necessarily in that order these days. Tom Lynch was the best forward in the competition last year and he still has Jack Riewoldt as a handy foil. Young forwards Noah Cumberland and Maurice Rioli junior showed a lot of promise at the end of last season. They also have two great wingmen in Kamdyn McIntosh and Marlion Pickett plus Toby Nankervis and Dion Prestia on the ball in addition to their new recruits Taranto and Hopper. The backline has capable performers in Grimes, Vlaustin, Rob Tarrant and Noah Balta supplemented by the run and carry of Daniel Rioli and Liam Baker.
WEAKNESSES
At times they can be too aggressive and undisciplined. Co-captain Toby Nankervis gave away numerous free kicks. Shai Bolton gave away too many 50s and also didn’t make the most of his opportunities in the forward line. If Nankervis got injured there’s a big query on the ruck depth. Tom Lynch is still the main man in the forward line without another high marking back-up. They also struggle to stop teams which get on runs. Also in close finishes last season they were poor with their last seven losses all less than a goal. Their defence didn’t really gel last season.
