2011 PREmier Fighting Tiger Award - THE AWARDS

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2011
FINAL RANKINGS

Not Ranked

Daniel Connors (19)

Total Votes 0 (437)
Rounds Played 3 (14)
Historic Position ’07:21 ’08:28 ’09NP ’10:7
Average Votes/Rounds 0
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

After a solid return in 2010 and a 7th placed finish in the corresponding award last season, Dan started the season scratchily and only managed to stay in the side for 3 rounds. It would prove to be his only appearances for the season as he fell victim to the dreaded perpetual 3 week injury. Although he always seemed to be on the brink of return (according to the Tigers’ injury list) Dan never managed to make it back on the park, sparking speculation as to the nature of the injury (or lack thereof). Assuming Dan is on the list in 2012 his flair, natural skill and mature body will be a welcome inclusion into the side.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2011
FINAL RANKINGS

Not Ranked

Ben Nason (22)

Total Votes 0 (134)
Rounds Played 4 (19)
Historic Position ’07:NOL ’08:NOL ’09:NOL ’10:15
Average Votes/Rounds 0
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

After playing 19 games in his debut season for Richmond in 2010 Ben struggled to find consistency and maintain his position in the senior side. Ben only managed 4 games this season and with a family illness Ben has apparently expressed a desire to head back to his home state of South Australia. It will be interesting to see whether the Tigers can generate anything during trade week.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2011
FINAL RANKINGS

Not Ranked

Jeromey Webberley (46)

Total Votes 0 (15)
Rounds Played 5 (10)
Historic Position ’07:NOL ’08:NOL ’09:NOL ’10:26
Average Votes/Rounds 0
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

Jeromey was another player that struggled to break into the senior side and spent most of the season at Coburg. In the VFL Jeromey played well, regularly featuring in the best, but had to wait until the second half of the season before ‘the farce’ ended and he managed to play a couple of games in rounds 12-13 and then the final 3 matches of the season. Dimma regularly used Jeromey as a sub in these matches and although he didn’t star, he seems to be a player that may provide some depth and does show some scope for improvement at the highest level.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2011
FINAL RANKINGS

Not Ranked

David Astbury (12)

Total Votes 0 (64)
Rounds Played 5 (17)
Historic Position ’07:NOL ’08:NOL ’09:NOL ’10:19
Average Votes/Rounds 0
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

Astbury had a promising debut season in 2010 and showed the size and general smarts to suggest that he may play an important role as a key defender for the Tigers. The 2011 preseason saw Dave put on a noticeable amount of bulk and he appeared to struggle a bit in the early matches culminating in his demotion after round 4. Upon his return in round 12 Astbury unfortunately suffered a serious knee dislocation that saw the premature end to his season. All reports suggest that his rehabilitation has been going well and hopefully he will be fit for a full preseason ahead of the 2012 season.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2011
FINAL RANKINGS

Not Ranked

Mitch Morton (20)

Total Votes 0 (335)
Rounds Played 9 (12)
Historic Position ’07:NOL ’08:22 ’09:6 ’10:10
Average Votes/Rounds 0
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

One of the biggest personal disappointments of the 2011 season was the form of Mitch Morton. After top 10 finishes in this award over the past 2 seasons Mitch was a shadow of his former self and was clearly struggling with issues during the season. For a player of Mitch’s talent it is stunning to think that after 9 games he couldn’t accrue a single vote for the season. Having played less than half of the possible matches over the last two seasons there are some questions over whether Morton has a future at Tigerland. Players with the natural goal sense of Morton are rare commodities and it would be a shame to see him fail to reach his obvious high potential. The off season could prove interesting for Mitch.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2011
FINAL RANKINGS

=28

Matt Dea (43)

Total Votes 1 (0)
Rounds Played 4 (3)
Historic Position ’07:NOL ’08:NOL ’09:NOL ’10NP
Average Votes/Rounds 0.3
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 28 (20-24)
Best Round (Votes) 20 vs West Coast (1)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.040 (28)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Most Votes From KiwiTig (1)

Another of the litany of injured defenders in 2011, Matty struggled to get on the ground for much of the season. When he did finally manage to string some time together at Coburg he was elevated pretty quickly to the Richmond senior list. Although still very raw, testament to his two injury-interrupted seasons, Matt appears fearless and athletic, with a good sized frame and could prove to be a very useful medium defender for Richmond in the coming years. 2012 should be another development year as he learns to read the game and play at the pace required of an AFL defender.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2011
FINAL RANKINGS

=28

Tom Hislop (27)

Total Votes 1 (6)
Rounds Played 5 (3)
Historic Position ’07:NOL ’08:NOL ’09:26 ’10:28
Average Votes/Rounds 0.2
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 25 (14-15)
Best Round (Votes) 14 vs Melbourne (1)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.034 (=29)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Most Votes From Disco08 (1)

Another season cruelled by injury, when Sloppy did manage to make it onto the ground he appeared to be more bandage than man. Although he did manage to play 5 matches throughout the seasons, up on his 3 in 2010, he played primarily as a defensive forward and didn’t really impose himself on the contest. Perhaps a case of talent wasted through injury, Tommy was delisted from the rookie list at the conclusion of the season. His ranking this year came, unsurprisingly, from the sole vote of his most ardent supporter and defender, the Duckman. I personally admired his aggression and hardness at the ball, however his inability to get on the field and when he did, his inability to consistently impose himself on the contest always meant his time on an AFL list would be limited.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2011
FINAL RANKINGS

=28

Jayden Post (37)

Total Votes 1 (0)
Rounds Played 8 (7)
Historic Position ’07:NOL ’08:NOL ’09:31 ’10NP
Average Votes/Rounds 0.1
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 28 (24)
Best Round (Votes) 24 vs North Melbourne (1)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.034 (=29)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Most Votes From arlobill (1)

2011 proved to be another difficult season for Jayden Post in his third year on the Richmond list. Adding 8 matches to his 14 from the previous two seasons, Posty struggled to get into the senior side and when he did struggled to find consistency. Another of the Richmond players to register some dominant performances at VFL level, it wasn’t until the latter part of the season that Post managed to put in some consistent performances, playing the last 4 games of the 2011 season. In previous seasons Jayden hasn’t really been played in a single position, rotating from the forward line, to the backline and as 2nd ruck. It would appear that an extended run in a single position, most likely as a tall defender, would do his development and confidence some good. When he is playing well he has the ability to take some great marks. 2012 is an important season for Post and he will be looking to take that next step to becoming a regular component of the Tiger defence.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2011
FINAL RANKINGS

27

Luke McGuane (16)

Total Votes 16 (45)
Rounds Played 14 (16)
Historic Position ’07:18 ’08:18 ’09:13 ’10:20
Average Votes/Rounds 1.1
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 9 (1)
Best Round (Votes) 17 vs Gold Coast (7)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.514 (24)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Most Votes From Baloo, Brodders17, CptJonno2Madcow2005 & IanG (2)

Although McGuane managed 14 games in 2012 there is the distinct feeling that his time on the Richmond list may be limited. There is no doubting the competitiveness and bravery of Luke, however he is a liability with disposal coming out defence, a cardinal sin in modern footy and he is prone to giving up silly free kicks in front of goal through clumsiness. Up until now there really hasn’t been a defender at Richmond in a position to take Luke’s spot, however it would seem the coaching staff have seen enough and McGuane was dropped after the round 20 loss to the Eagles. Whispers suggest that he may have been told that he is not seen as the future in the Tigers’ defence, so there is a possibility that he may also be shopped around during trade week.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2011
FINAL RANKINGS

=25

Ben Griffiths (38)

Total Votes 17 (0)
Rounds Played 4 (5)
Historic Position ’07:NOL ’08:NOL ’09:NOL ’10NP
Average Votes/Rounds 4.3
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 23 (16-17)
Best Round (Votes) 16 vs Essendon (17)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.672 (22)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Most Votes From Disco08, Fighting Fury & vernissage (3)

Griffiths is clearly a player that the coaches would like to see get some game time at the highest level. However, in his second season at Tigerland he again struggled for fitness and managed to add only 4 more senior appearances to his 5 from 2010. At his size Griff still has plenty of time to develop and become the dominant key forward that he clearly shows the potential to become. He appears mobile, has a good set of hands and a booming kick; not a bad skill set for the modern forward. To continue his develop he will need to develop confidence in his body and learn to impose himself on the contest more. Hopefully his body strengthens with age and he can become the third prong in attack with Jack and Tyrone in 2012 and beyond.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2011
FINAL RANKINGS

=25

Angus Graham (25)

Total Votes 17 (92)
Rounds Played 14 (15)
Historic Position ’07NP ’08NP ’09:14 ’10:18
Average Votes/Rounds 1.2
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 9 (1)
Best Round (Votes) 4 vs Collingwood & 7 vs Fremantle (6)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.366 (27)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Most Votes From tigertrue(4)

You would hope that after playing 14 games in 2011 that our number 1 ruckman would have at least made an appearance in the top 20, however the woes of the Richmond ruck division have been covered on the boards and in the media ad nauseum and don’t need repeating here. Gus struggled in the ruck as the coaching staff shuffled through available ruck options for much of the season. In recent years Gus has shown some glimpses, but at his age and size he really needed to show more hunger for the contest and more willingness to put in the physical work. Although contracted, I would guess that his position on the list is tenuous as Richmond searches for a developed ruck from another club.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2011
FINAL RANKINGS

24

Will Thursfield (2)

Total Votes 18 (103)
Rounds Played 10 (14)
Historic Position ’07:9 ’08:15 ’09:24 ’10:16
Average Votes/Rounds 1.8
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 24 (21-24)
Best Round (Votes) 20 vs West Coast ( 8 )
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.621 (23)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Most Votes From rensman (3)

With such an injury plagued backline in 2011 the Tigers were fortunate to have back up in the form of Will Thursfield to come in and shut down an opposition forward. It would seem clear that Will is not seen as a starting 22 defender amongst the coaching staff, but I think that he is an important depth player that can play a solid role in defence where required. Although not as naturally attacking as some of the younger defenders on the Richmond list, Will is strong defensively and discarding players like this weakens the list, both in ability and in experience. Whether Thursfield is happy in such a role is another matter, but hopefully he continues on the list in 2012.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2011
FINAL RANKINGS

23

Mitch Farmer (15)

Total Votes 22 (16)
Rounds Played 11 (17)
Historic Position ’07:NOL ’08:NOL ’09:NOL ’10:25
Average Votes/Rounds 2.0
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 18 (12)
Best Round (Votes) 12 vs Sydney (22)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.680 (21)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Most Votes From Tigermad2005 (3)

One of PRE’s favourite whipping boys, Mitch Farmer struggled to win votes in his 11 games this season, with his best return coming in the first game against the Swans in the wet. Mitch struggled with injury this year, but is clearly favoured by the coaching staff as he was generally selected when available. Mitch played the majority of the games in the backline and although he appeared to work hard, his lack of pace and polish appeared to catch him out at times, much to the disdain of the fans. It will be interesting to see how Farmer goes in 2012 with a number of young defenders vying for the same position.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2011
FINAL RANKINGS

=21

Dylan Grimes (48)

Total Votes 26 (1)
Rounds Played 7 (1)
Historic Position ’07:NOL ’08:NOL ’09:NOL ’10:34
Average Votes/Rounds 3.7
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 14 (6)
Best Round (Votes) 6 vs Brisbane & 9 vs Essendon (9)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.485 (26)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Most Votes From arlobill, GEDS1, Jumpin Jimmy Jess, marella jube, rhul & tommystigers (2)

For a player that has only appeared for Richmond on 8 occasions there is a lot of buzz around Dylan Grimes. After recently re-watching the Dreamtime match, I would tend to think the hype is warranted. Dylan was thrown to the wolves early this season with match ups against Cloke and Franklin in which he struggled. Encouragingly though, he clearly learned from these encounters and quickly became a spoiling machine. His pace, height and ability read the play, combined with his neat disposal skills suggest that he may turn into an excellent key defender for the Tigers in the coming seasons. Still with plenty to learn and areas to work on, we may have found a good one through the preseason draft, which is always a bonus. It was unfortunate to see Dylan go down with a serious hamstring injury in round 9, but it happened through his pure desperation and resulted in an amazing spoil. He is now back in training and should be able to undertake a full preseason leading into 2012.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2011
FINAL RANKINGS

=21

Bradley Helbig (32)

Total Votes 26 (n/a)
Rounds Played 10 (n/a)
Historic Position ’07:NOL ’08:NOL ’09:NOL ’10:NOL
Average Votes/Rounds 2.6
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 20 (16-17)
Best Round (Votes) 16 vs Essendon (26)
Normalised Score (Rank) 1.028 (18)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Most Votes From Disco08, HeadandShin, Joe Lynn Turnip, Jukes Extended, Newman & rensman (2)

Taken at number 47 in the 2010 National Draft, Brad Helbig had a solid first season, making 10 appearances for the Tigers. He plays an aggressive style of footy and adjusted well to the pace of the AFL. He will need to work on his tank and disposal, but signs are good that HellBoy will be able to carve out a solid career in the Yellow & Black.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2011
FINAL RANKINGS

20

Andrew Browne (34)

Total Votes 27 (3)
Rounds Played 7 (4)
Historic Position ’07:NOL ’08:NOL ’09:35 ’10:32
Average Votes/Rounds 3.9
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 17 (13)
Best Round (Votes) 9 vs Essendon (16)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.501 (25)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Most Votes From poppa x (3)

Andrew Browne managed to add 7 more games to his 4 from 2010 as the Tigers mixed and matched their available ruckmen throughout the season. Having only just turned 21 and standing at 203cm Browne should be safe as the Tigers continue to get games into him and allow him to develop. Considering the dearth of quality ruckmen on the list I would expect Browne to continue to work on his game in 2012, hopefully increasing his contribution at senior level.. He has shown some good signs for a young big man, but he can also appear lumbering and slow at times.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2011
FINAL RANKINGS

19

Matthew White (35)

Total Votes 38 (38)
Rounds Played 12 (16)
Historic Position ’07:29 ’08:19 ’09:11 ’10:21
Average Votes/Rounds 3.2
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 5 (1)
Best Round (Votes) 1 vs Carlton (33)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.763 (20)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Most Votes From Streak (3)

Matty White attracted as many votes in 2011 as he did in 2010 having played 4 games fewer. I don’t think you could say that Matt had a great season as he struggled to cement his place in the side, a worry considering his age and experience. Matt has been playing as a defensive forward and attracted most of his votes this season in the round 1 loss to Carlton after blanketing the dangerous Chris Yarran. With great endurance and G&D second to none at the club, at worst I see Whitey as a depth player, or a role player against certain matchups. Like my assessment of Thursfield, I would hate to see a player like White lost to the club at this stage of our development. A player that may be ‘upgraded’ in time, I think his contribution is important for now.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2011
FINAL RANKINGS

18

Jake King (28)

Total Votes 42 (205)
Rounds Played 19 (15)
Historic Position ’07:6 ’08:5 ’09:16 ’10:13
Average Votes/Rounds 2.2
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 11 (3-6)
Best Round (Votes) 6 vs Brisbane (9)
Normalised Score (Rank) 1.016 (19)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Most Votes From Djevv (4)

It came as a surprise to me to see Kingy record his worst finish in these awards since I took over in 2007. Having played 19 games this season and having what most would consider an important role as a defensive, goal kicking forward a finish of 18th would be considered modest at best and certainly a long way down from his finishes in the top 6 in ’07 and ’08. King has been re-cast as a small forward under Dimma and has performed his role admirably. His 25 goals ranks him 5th at the club and in the top 50 in the league. Add to this his important role in applying forward pressure through his tackling and aggression and his worth to the side is clear. He also appears to play an important onfield leadership role, which shouldn’t be underestimated. 2012 will seem him suspended for round 1 (again!) after his tackle in the round 23 Adelaide match was deemed a sling tackle and reckless.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2011
FINAL RANKINGS

17

Brad Miller (13)

Total Votes 49 (n/a)
Rounds Played 14 (n/a)
Historic Position ’07:NOL ’08:NOL ’09:NOL ’10:NOL
Average Votes/Rounds 3.5
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 14 ( 8 )
Best Round (Votes) 8 vs Western Bulldogs (30)
Normalised Score (Rank) 1.372 (17)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Most Votes From U2Tigers (4)

After being delisted by Melbourne at the end of 2010, Brad Miller was offered a second chance by the RFC and added to the rookie list to provide leadership and insurance for our young forward line. Although many on PRE were sceptical of the long term value of such a move, many were satisfied with the outcome by the end of the 2011 season. Making his debut in the yellow and black in round 4 Miller proved a good foil for Riewoldt and Vickery, leading to good places, clearing space in the forward and providing good blocking moves to allow the other forwards goal shooting opportunities. His own goal kicking started waywardly, but improved as the season wore on. With Griffiths still needing time to develop, Miller’s presence in the forward line produced a more competitive Tiger outfit. Whether this will yield long term dividends is unknown, but comments from the coaching staff suggest that Miller’s leadership and contribution are appreciated by the decision makers.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2011
FINAL RANKINGS

16

Shane Edwards (10)

Total Votes 51 (239)
Rounds Played 20 (22)
Historic Position ’07:12 ’08:24 ’09:12 ’10:11
Average Votes/Rounds 2.6
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 16 (22-24)
Best Round (Votes) 22 vs Melbourne (17)
Normalised Score (Rank) 1.399 (16)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Most Votes From Sintiger (7)

Although he played 20 games in 2011 Titch Edwards proved to be one of the more frustrating players to watch for the Richmond faithful. Capable of feats in traffic that few on the list can pull off, his disposal this season left much to be desired. Anyone who has followed my assessments of Titch would know that I am a fan, however there were times this season that his kicking became a momentum killer as he continued to shank his kicks, especially his delivery inside 50. When on song Edwards has the ability to open the play up with immaculate delivery by hand in congestion and there were a number of occasions that this aspect of his game led to Richmond goals. Overall though his bad outweighed his good and his 16th placed finish may actually flatter his output this season. Towards the end of the season Titch did manage to string some more consistent games together and hopefully he can carry this into the 2012 season where his endurance and movement in traffic could provide a key element to a Richmond revival.