2009 PRE Player of the Year - AWARDS THREAD

[Panthera tigris FC]

2009 PRE Player of the Year - AWARDS THREAD

PRE Player of the Year 2009
FINAL RANKINGS

Not Ranked

Jarrod Oakley-Nicholls (22)

Total Votes 0 (0)
Rounds Played 4 (2)
2008 Position Not Ranked
Average Votes/Rounds n/a
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) n/a
Best Round (Votes) n/a
Normalised Score (Rank) n/a
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Most Votes From n/a

2009 saw JON tried in the forward half of the ground and although he certainly showed courage and reasonable overhead prowess his decision making and general football nous were clearly sub-AFL standard. These deficiencies have been recognised and it appears that the 4 games he managed for the RFC in 2009, bringing his career tally to 13, will be his last. 

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

2009 PRE Player of the Year - AWARDS THREAD

PRE Player of the Year 2009
FINAL RANKINGS

=35

Andrew Browne (43)

Total Votes 1 (NEW)
Rounds Played 1 (NEW)
2008 Position NEW
Average Votes/Rounds 1.0
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 13 (1)
Best Round (Votes) 1 vs Carlton (1)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.006 (36)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Most Votes From K3 (1)

After a standout preseason Andrew Browne was elevated from the rookie list and dropped in at the deep end in front of a massive crowd against the Blues in round 1 at the ‘G. Although there wasn’t much to write home about in that particular flogging Browne played out the rest of the season learning the ropes at Coburg. With the current thin ruck stocks at Richmond I would expect to see Big Red going around again in 2010.

Graham Polak

Total Votes 1 (40)
Rounds Played 2 (11)
2008 Position 23 (-12)
Average Votes/Rounds 0.5
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 35 (21-22)
Best Round (Votes) 21 vs Hawthorn (1)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.041 (34)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Most Votes From Tigerbob (1)

One of the highlights of 2009 in an otherwise depressing season was the unlikely return of Graham Polak to senior footy in round 21. After Polak’s near fatal accident in 2008 it seemed unlikely that he would be able to return to the top tiers of the footy world, especially in such a short space of time. However, after a few best on ground performances at Coburg, he earned his recall and although he wasn’t a standout he didn’t look completely out of place. It is unclear whether Polak will play a part in the Tigers of 2010, but to have made it this far is a testament to his determination and whatever does eventuate I wish him the best in the future. 

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

2009 PRE Player of the Year - AWARDS THREAD

PRE Player of the Year 2009
FINAL RANKINGS

=33

Jay Schulz (25)

Total Votes 2 (155)
Rounds Played 4 (18)
2008 Position 16 (-17)
Average Votes/Rounds 0.5
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 11 (1)
Best Round (Votes) 1 vs Carlton (2)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.034 (35)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Most Votes From KnightersRevenge (2)

Jay Schulz continued to struggle to find a senior spot in the Richmond line up in 2009 and if anything he went backwards. After playing 18 games in 2008, he only managed 4 appearances in 2009 wherein he struggled to make any impact. If I am not mistaken, Jay is contracted for 2010, however I would not be surprised to see him shopped around during trade week (although I doubt we will see a second round draft pick on the table )

Kayne Pettifer (15)

Total Votes 2 (5)
Rounds Played 4 (6)
2008 Position 30 (-3)
Average Votes/Rounds 0.5
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 26 (9)
Best Round (Votes) 9 vs Essendon (2)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.063 (33)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Most Votes From YinnarTiger & Pickers35 (1)

Kayne Pettifer made a reasonably speedy recovery after requiring a knee reconstruction towards the end of the 2008 season. He managed to play 4 rounds in 2009 before being dropped back to Coburg by Jade Rawlings. He remained at Coburg until suffering another serious knee injury towards the end of the season. It seems unlikely that Kayne will play again for the Tigers and in light of the profound personal tragedy that he has faced recently I wish him all the best in the future.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

2009 PRE Player of the Year - AWARDS THREAD

PRE Player of the Year 2009
FINAL RANKINGS

32

Jarrod Silvester (36)

Total Votes 3 (0)
Rounds Played 5 (0)
2008 Position Not Ranked
Average Votes/Rounds 0.6
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 30 (16-17)
Best Round (Votes) 16 vs North Melbourne (2)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.091 (32)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Most Votes From YinnarTiger, In the Blood & emerald (1)

Jarrod Silvester was elevated from the rookie list and managed to play 5 games for the Tigers in 2009. Perhaps it was because I hadn’t seen one for a while in the yellow and black, but it was good to see a big back man who wasn’t easily outmuscled in the contest. Although he was certainly competitive and showed some good signs there were also some obvious deficiencies in his game and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him lose his position in 2010.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

2009 PRE Player of the Year - AWARDS THREAD

PRE Player of the Year 2009
FINAL RANKINGS

31

Jayden Post (37)

Total Votes 4 (NEW)
Rounds Played 7 (NEW)
2008 Position NEW
Average Votes/Rounds 0.6
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 29 (16-17)
Best Round (Votes) 15 vs Carlton & 16 vs North Melbourne (2)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.110 (30)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Most Votes From Inspector, HeadandShin, ihateRICHOhaters & tigertrue (1)

Jayden Post debuted in 2009 and provided a preview of Richmond’s KPP stocks for the future. Some posters likened him to a young Richo, as much for his appearance as for his marking prowess I would guess. Although it took him a few trys to register his first goal, he showed a great work ethic and good skills for a first year player and I look forward to watch his development as a key forward or back in the coming seasons.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

2009 PRE Player of the Year - AWARDS THREAD

PRE Player of the Year 2009
FINAL RANKINGS

=29

Tyrone Vickery (29)

Total Votes 5 (NEW)
Rounds Played 9 (NEW)
2008 Position NEW
Average Votes/Rounds 0.6
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 26 (15-17)
Best Round (Votes) 15 vs Carlton (5)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.135 (29)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Most Votes From tigertrue (3)

A 29th place finish for the big number 29 in his debut season. Ty Vickery showed plenty of promise for a big man in his first games at senior level. He certainly needs to put some bulk on his frame, but it looks like he should be able to do that. Importantly, he showed the ability to win the ball, take on opponents and kick goals. Promising signs for a team that appears to be short on quality developing rucks and key forwards.

Kelvin Moore (40)

Total Votes 5 (267)
Rounds Played 19 (22)
2008 Position 12 (-17)
Average Votes/Rounds 0.3
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 8 (1)
Best Round (Votes) 1 vs Carlton (3)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.108 (31)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Most Votes From ronnit (2)

2009 would have to be regarded as a disappointment for Tiger’s defender Kel Moore. After a breakout year in 2008 where he was arguably the team’s best defender, Kel Moore struggled to make as much of an impact in 2009. Although I would call his season terrible Kel only averaged one vote for every three games he played, reflecting his inability to have the same sort of impact he had in the previous season. The team’s fortunes going forward will partially rest on the ability of our defence, so an improvement from Moore will be necessary under the new coach in 2010.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

2009 PRE Player of the Year - AWARDS THREAD

PRE Player of the Year 2009
FINAL RANKINGS

28

Troy Simmonds (5)

Total Votes 7 (322)
Rounds Played 11 (22)
2008 Position 9 (-19)
Average Votes/Rounds 0.6
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 8 (1)
Best Round (Votes) 21 vs Hawthorn (4)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.216 (28)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Most Votes From IanG (2)

A mixture of injury and ordinary form marred Simmonds’ 2009 season. Troy spent some weeks playing for Coburg as some of the younger ruckmen shouldered the load in the Richmond seniors. It appears that age is catching up with Simmonds who relies heavily on his athleticism and work around the ground to contribute to the side. If these traits are starting to wane with age it is hard to see him having a great impact in 2010. Having said that, it does appear as though he will be offered another year to absorb some of the ruck punishment as our younger rucks continue to develop. 

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

2009 PRE Player of the Year - AWARDS THREAD

PRE Player of the Year 2009
FINAL RANKINGS

27

Adam Pattison (26)

Total Votes 9 ( 8 )
Rounds Played 8 (18)
2008 Position 27 (-)
Average Votes/Rounds 1.1
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 21 (6-7)
Best Round (Votes) 6 vs Sydney (7)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.254 (27)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Most Votes From Disco08 & Tigermad2005 (3)

Patto was another who appeared to go backwards in 2009. After playing 18 rounds in 2008, primarily in the ruck, Adam only appeared in 8 games in 2009. He appears to have been overtaken by his younger, taller teammates for ruck responsibilities and he hasn’t been able to impose himself at all in stints in the forward line. Despite his obvious endeavour and popularity amongst his teammates it is hard to see where Patto fits into the line up going forward.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

2009 PRE Player of the Year - AWARDS THREAD

PRE Player of the Year 2009
FINAL RANKINGS

26

Tom Hislop (27)

Total Votes 15 (NEW)
Rounds Played 12 (NEW)
2008 Position NEW
Average Votes/Rounds 1.3
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 19 (2)
Best Round (Votes) 18 vs Melbourne ( 8 )
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.553 (26)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Most Votes From ihateRICHOhaters & tigertrue (3)

After being picked up by the Tigers in the 2008 national draft the former Bomber went on to play 12 games in 2009. He generally played as a defensive forward and worked to keep the ball locked in the forward 50. Tommy clearly appeared to have the knack of getting under his opponents’ skin and when scraps started on the field you could bet that Hislop wasn’t far from the action. It is amazing that he escaped attention from the match review panel for as long as he did! Tom certainly appears to be able to play and you can’t doubt his application, but there are question marks over his pace and disposal and he will need to work on those areas if he is to become a regular team member in 2010.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

2009 PRE Player of the Year - AWARDS THREAD

PRE Player of the Year 2009
FINAL RANKINGS

25

Jordan McMahon (13)

Total Votes 21 (206)
Rounds Played 12 (22)
2008 Position 14 (-11)
Average Votes/Rounds 1.8
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 18 (5)
Best Round (Votes) 5 vs North Melbourne (9)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.567 (25)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Most Votes From Baloo & YinnarTiger (3)

Probably the most maligned player at Richmond in recent times, Jordan McMahon’s 2009 season was one to forget. With the resignation of Wallace half through the season it was clear that Jordy’s easy run in the seniors was over and he struggled to make his way back into the side under Jade Rawlings. One highlight for him (tankers aside) was the crunch goal after the siren to seal the victory against Melbourne late in the season. However, it would appear that his time at the Tigers is limited and if a trade can be done it will almost certainly see him with another side in 2010.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

2009 PRE Player of the Year - AWARDS THREAD

PRE Player of the Year 2009
FINAL RANKINGS

24

Will Thursfield (2)

Total Votes 83 (168)
Rounds Played 13 (18)
2008 Position 15 (-9)
Average Votes/Rounds 6.4
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 19 (16)
Best Round (Votes) 13 vs St Kilda (34)
Normalised Score (Rank) 2.648 (19)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 1 (=18)
Most Votes From poppa x (6)

Will Thursfield struggled in the first half of the season to find consistent form and the Richmond backline clearly suffered for it. Fortunately, Willy T managed to turn things around and had a far better second half of the year and started to show glimpses of his best. When he is playing at his best I consider Thursfield our best pure stopper and a valuable member of the defense. Unfortunately, our undersized backline has forced players into inappropriate match ups and they have suffered accordingly. I look forward to an improved 2010 from Thursfield.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

2009 PRE Player of the Year - AWARDS THREAD

PRE Player of the Year 2009
FINAL RANKINGS

23

Alex Rance (18)

Total Votes 85 (0)
Rounds Played 15 (0)
2008 Position Not Ranked
Average Votes/Rounds 5.7
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 7 (3)
Best Round (Votes) 3 vs Western Bulldogs (54)
Normalised Score (Rank) 2.453 (20)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 1 (=18)
Most Votes From jb03 & WesternTiger (5)

2009 saw Alex Rance debut for the Tigers and play 15 matches for the season. Despite a number of posters doubts, I personally have time for Rance and think we need to persist with young, running defenders that show the type of courage that Alex does. His willingness to put his head over the ball was typified when he cracked his cheek bone after a sickening head clash leading to a few weeks on the sidelines. Although I do see the weaknesses that are constantly pointed out on PRE, especially in general awareness, I think he is young enough that we need to persist and hopefully we will end up with the courageous, running, big-bodied defended that the Tigers are desperate for. 

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

2009 PRE Player of the Year - AWARDS THREAD

PRE Player of the Year 2009
FINAL RANKINGS

22

Trent Cotchin (9)

Total Votes 86 (247)
Rounds Played 10 (15)
2008 Position 13 (-9)
Average Votes/Rounds 8.6
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 18 (17)
Best Round (Votes) 17 vs Essendon (62)
Normalised Score (Rank) 2.135 (21)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Most Votes From CC TIGER, Elmer, Fighting Fury, MalenyTiger, rance_nahas, robdog, sportshow, Streak & Tigerhart04 (3)

2009 proved to be an extremely frustrating season for the player who, in my opinion, shows the most promise of anyone on our current list. After suffering an Achilles injury in the preseason through some over-training during his personal time Trent struggled to find fitness throughout the season. When he did finally get on the field he was clearly under done and was only starting to find some real form when he finished the season early for surgery. Trent has amazing awareness in traffic and sublime ability on both sides. I just hope that he can be fully fit to complete his first full preseason under Hardwick in 2010 and really show us what he is capable of.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

2009 PRE Player of the Year - AWARDS THREAD

PRE Player of the Year 2009
FINAL RANKINGS

21

Nathan Brown (7)

Total Votes 97 (377)
Rounds Played 13 (18)
2008 Position 7 (-14)
Average Votes/Rounds 7.5
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 6 (2)
Best Round (Votes) 2 vs Geelong (34)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.988 (24)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 1 (=18)
Most Votes From tigertrue (6)

Nathan Brown had another season of disappointment as he struggled with injury and form and really only showed small glimpses of his best. His season return of only 13 games and 16 goals was far from what we needed from one our more experienced players. Probably one of the more skilled players at the RFC in recent times, the injury to his leg robbed him (and us!) of his finest years. As discussed on the main board Browny was in career best form when he went down with that serious broken leg and unfortunately hasn’t ever been able to get back to anywhere near his pre-injury form. One of the handful of confirmed delisted players Browny is attempting to find another club to finish his footy career at. I wish him the best with that endeavour.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

2009 PRE Player of the Year - AWARDS THREAD

PRE Player of the Year 2009
FINAL RANKINGS

20

Dean Polo (14)

Total Votes 101 (18)
Rounds Played 21 (6)
2008 Position 25 (+5)
Average Votes/Rounds 4.8
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 11 (2-3)
Best Round (Votes) 13 vs St Kilda (24)
Normalised Score (Rank) 3.128 (18)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Most Votes From Fighting Fury ( 8 )

Dean Polo went from a player struggling to make the side in 2008 to a team regular in 2009, playing 21 matches this season. Polo was generally unheralded and played his role as workhorse in the backline. Although he is not the best defensive player he certainly tries hard and I think he is the type of player that would probably look good in a better team. One of the rare players whose first game was their clearly their best, Polo will need to work hard to maintain his place in the team in 2010.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

2009 PRE Player of the Year - AWARDS THREAD

PRE Player of the Year 2009
FINAL RANKINGS

19

Chris Newman (17)

Total Votes 106 (411)
Rounds Played 21 (22)
2008 Position 6 (-13)
Average Votes/Rounds 5.0
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 8 (2)
Best Round (Votes) 20 vs Collingwood (30)
Normalised Score (Rank) 3.714 (15)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 1 (=18)
Most Votes From Newman ( 8 )

It was a tough year to take over as skipper of the RFC. Between the pitiful form of the club and the media chaos surrounding the arrival of Ben Cousins and the departure of Terry Wallace, Newman experienced a baptism of fire in his role as club captain. I thought he handled himself very well, especially when segments of the media targeted him over his discussion with Wallace. On the field the skipper had nothing more than a solid year. He played his normal tenacious style, but still occasionally let his opponent have too much freedom. There weren’t too many real personal highlights during the season, but hopefully, with a new coaching structure and game plan, Newman will have an improved 2010 as captain of the Richmond Football Club. 

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

2009 PRE Player of the Year - AWARDS THREAD

PRE Player of the Year 2009
FINAL RANKINGS

18

Andrew Collins (42)

Total Votes 109 (0)
Rounds Played 10 (0)
2008 Position Not Ranked
Average Votes/Rounds 10.9
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 10 (4)
Best Round (Votes) 6 vs Sydney (44)
Normalised Score (Rank) 1.104 (23)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 2 (=15)
Most Votes From AstuteTiger (5)

After being on the cusp of senior selection towards the end of 2008 Andrew Collins made his senior debut in 2009 and showed some very promising signs before injury ended his season prematurely. Collins displayed real footy poise and smarts and demonstrated that uncanny knack of being able to move and dish off in traffic and pick the right option more often than not. Watching him play is a constant reminder of the benefits of selecting footy players as opposed to athletes. Once he gets his body right and goes through another big preseason in 2010 I expect to see him become a regular in the Richmond midfield rotations for seasons to come.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

Re: PRE Player of the Year - Rd 16 votes vs Demons (Start Page 76)

PRE Player of the Year 2009
FINAL RANKINGS

17

Mark Coughlan (24)

Total Votes 112 (0)
Rounds Played 9 (0)
2008 Position Not Ranked
Average Votes/Rounds 12.4
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 11 ( 8 )
Best Round (Votes) 8 vs Port Adelaide (91)
Normalised Score (Rank) 3.181 (17)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 2 (=15)
Most Votes From rosy23 (5)

I have mixed feelings about the delisting of Mark Coughlan after he finally managed to get his body to a point that he could play senior footy again in 2009. After rightly persisting with him to get him fit enough to play the decision was made after 9 games that he was no longer required at the RFC. I would agree that those 9 games were far from his best and at times he appeared slow and occasionally a liability by foot. I guess it is just the promise he showed at such a young age and the cruel, repeated injury blows that he endured and conquered that make a decision so difficult. Another story of ‘what could have been’ at the RFC. I wish Mark, a Jack Dyer Medalist, the best of luck in the future.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

2009 PRE Player of the Year - AWARDS THREAD

PRE Player of the Year 2009
FINAL RANKINGS

16

Jake King (46)

Total Votes 125 (449)
Rounds Played 8 (14)
2008 Position 5 (-11)
Average Votes/Rounds 15.6
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 14 (3)
Best Round (Votes) 19 vs Sydney (90)
Normalised Score (Rank) 4.391 (13)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 4 (=10)
Most Votes From bigwow, jb03, mk33 & Panthera tigris FC (5)

I think a few will be surprised to see Kingy as high on the leaderboard as 16 considering the season he had. No one can question King’s presence or endeavour on the field, however his disposal coming out of defence and his propensity for turning the ball over became a major talking point towards the end of 2008 and most of 2009. Credit must be given to him for coming out and playing a pretty good footy towards the end of the season. In a couple of those games he appeared to be one of the few players who had any interest and constantly worked hard and flew the flag. If I am not mistaken Jake is contracted for 2010, so we can expect him to be on the list next year. He will have to have a standout year to get games in the senior side and earn himself another contract.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

2009 PRE Player of the Year - AWARDS THREAD

PRE Player of the Year 2009
FINAL RANKINGS

=14

Joel Bowden (11)

Total Votes 138 (346)
Rounds Played 12 (18)
2008 Position 8 (-6)
Average Votes/Rounds 11.5
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 6 (4)
Best Round (Votes) 4 vs Melbourne (88)
Normalised Score (Rank) 1.541 (22)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 3 (=13)
Most Votes From loto (9)

Two-time Jack Dyer Medallist, Joel Bowden proved to be an early casualty of the youth policy implemented at Richmond after the disastrous start to the season ruled out a finals appearance. It was apparent that the decision makers at the Tigers wanted to persist with a young backline and so Joel was forced to play at Coburg for part of the season. It did appear as if Joel was starting to slow down and although his decision making still appeared good, it was clear that he didn’t have much of future at the newly rebuilding RFC. As always, he took it well and with dignity and it was unfortunate that his farewell match turned out to be a shellacking at the hands of the Pies. Bowden was always a loyal club man and I have no doubt that Joel will be successful in his future career and wish him the best.

Angus Graham (44)

Total Votes 138 (0)
Rounds Played 16 (0)
2008 Position Not Ranked
Average Votes/Rounds 8.6
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 8 (7)
Best Round (Votes) 7 vs Brisbane (110)
Normalised Score (Rank) 3.838 (14)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 3 (=13)
Most Votes From tigertrue (6)

When Gus Graham was forced into the position of first ruck due to the form and health of Troy Simmonds, like many PREnders I greeted the news with a considerable amount of trepidation. I always considered Gus to be a bit of battler, big, but not the most gifted with coordination and general footy skills. Therefore, I was pleasantly surprised with his form in the first half of the season, where he managed to impose himself on the contest, rack of possessions, take marks, dish off the ball and even kick some good goals. This culminated in his best Tiger on ground performance against Brisbane in round 7, a feat that I certainly didn’t predict before the season. He also provided one of the more bizarre scenes of 2009 when he suffered leg cramps in the centre circle and keeled over, as if paralysed. I thought he had suffered some serious injury, especially as he struggled to get off the ground! With the thin ruck stocks at Richmond, it seems certain that Gus will go around again in 2010, however he is going to need to continue his development to become a regular in the senior side.