One of things that infuriates me greatly as a Richmond supporter, is that we are never at the cutting edge of introducing new tactics, or styles of play, or innovation of any sort. The last time we could argue that we were,
was in the 1960's and 1970's, when we used the "US vs THEM" mentality to great effect. Since then, lets look at innovation in the game:
1980's
David Parkin (Carlton) - Introduction of individual written reports of players performances, and dossiers on
upcoming opponents.
Allan Jeans (Hawthorn) - Moving skilled players into defence, to launch attacking moves. Previously,
skilled players played up forward or on the ball, and "scrubbers" played down back.
Robert Walls (Fitzroy) - Implementation of the "huddle", to clear the ball from kick - ins
Kevin Sheedy (Essendon) - Demanding flexibilty of players, to play in many different positions on the ground,
and use the interchange bench as a attacking weapon. (Watch final quarter of
1984 Grand Final to see how effective this was).
1990's
Denis Pagan (Nth Melb) - Banning "U - Turns", in other words if you have your back to goal, you must
handball to someone facing the goal.
- Implementation of "Pagans Paddock", where Carey would play on the 50m line,
with space behind him, to lead back "towards" the goal. Normally forwards would
lead "away" from the goal.
David Parkin (Carlton) - Player "empowerment" - refer to 1995 season
Rodney Eade (Sydney) - The dreaded "flooding"
Gerard Neesham (Fremantle) - Introduction of weird tactics such as "coralling" opponents, and not tackling
them, and players "blocking" a path for a teamate as they ride shotgun.
(Neesham apparently studied other sports to get ideas)
Terry Wallace (W Bulldogs) - Dispensing with pre match address
- Introducing pre- game warm up out on the ground, I think 1 hr before match,
2000's
David Parkin (Carlton) - Dual coaching structure with Wayne Brittian - refer to 2000 season
Grant Thomas (St Kilda) - Rotating captains each year
- Refusing to trade 1st round draft picks under any circumstances.
(I wish Richmond adhered to this principle)
- Refusing to draft players unless they can play more than 100 games for the club.
(This rules out drafting 30 yr olds)
Paul Roos (Sydney) - Introduction of "tempo football" Refer to 2005 Grand Final
- Drafting policy, of "no dickheads"
Mick Malthouse (Coll) - Mass use of interchange rotations to keep players fresh, and confuse opposition
Terry Wallace (Rich) - For 1 game only, "keepings off" vs Adelaide 2006. Result - 4 premiership points !
- I had to include this for the sake of fairness, but it was only one game
It would be nice for once to listen to SEN or footy talk back on other stations, and hear how the Richmond brains trust is able to come up with some innovative tactic, or definable game plan, because for 30 years,
all I've heard is how other clubs have come up with them. Look at Essendon this year. No matter where they end up finishing on the ladder, Matthew Knights has introduced a exciting, definable game plan, that has generated a lot of positive vibes. Although I hate them, I almost wish they do well this year, for a true ex - Richmond champion.
was in the 1960's and 1970's, when we used the "US vs THEM" mentality to great effect. Since then, lets look at innovation in the game:
1980's
David Parkin (Carlton) - Introduction of individual written reports of players performances, and dossiers on
upcoming opponents.
Allan Jeans (Hawthorn) - Moving skilled players into defence, to launch attacking moves. Previously,
skilled players played up forward or on the ball, and "scrubbers" played down back.
Robert Walls (Fitzroy) - Implementation of the "huddle", to clear the ball from kick - ins
Kevin Sheedy (Essendon) - Demanding flexibilty of players, to play in many different positions on the ground,
and use the interchange bench as a attacking weapon. (Watch final quarter of
1984 Grand Final to see how effective this was).
1990's
Denis Pagan (Nth Melb) - Banning "U - Turns", in other words if you have your back to goal, you must
handball to someone facing the goal.
- Implementation of "Pagans Paddock", where Carey would play on the 50m line,
with space behind him, to lead back "towards" the goal. Normally forwards would
lead "away" from the goal.
David Parkin (Carlton) - Player "empowerment" - refer to 1995 season
Rodney Eade (Sydney) - The dreaded "flooding"
Gerard Neesham (Fremantle) - Introduction of weird tactics such as "coralling" opponents, and not tackling
them, and players "blocking" a path for a teamate as they ride shotgun.
(Neesham apparently studied other sports to get ideas)
Terry Wallace (W Bulldogs) - Dispensing with pre match address
- Introducing pre- game warm up out on the ground, I think 1 hr before match,
2000's
David Parkin (Carlton) - Dual coaching structure with Wayne Brittian - refer to 2000 season
Grant Thomas (St Kilda) - Rotating captains each year
- Refusing to trade 1st round draft picks under any circumstances.
(I wish Richmond adhered to this principle)
- Refusing to draft players unless they can play more than 100 games for the club.
(This rules out drafting 30 yr olds)
Paul Roos (Sydney) - Introduction of "tempo football" Refer to 2005 Grand Final
- Drafting policy, of "no dickheads"
Mick Malthouse (Coll) - Mass use of interchange rotations to keep players fresh, and confuse opposition
Terry Wallace (Rich) - For 1 game only, "keepings off" vs Adelaide 2006. Result - 4 premiership points !
- I had to include this for the sake of fairness, but it was only one game
It would be nice for once to listen to SEN or footy talk back on other stations, and hear how the Richmond brains trust is able to come up with some innovative tactic, or definable game plan, because for 30 years,
all I've heard is how other clubs have come up with them. Look at Essendon this year. No matter where they end up finishing on the ladder, Matthew Knights has introduced a exciting, definable game plan, that has generated a lot of positive vibes. Although I hate them, I almost wish they do well this year, for a true ex - Richmond champion.
