A lot of the commentary at the moment is that Richmond have no obvious gaps. Which, on the surface is no doubt true. But the fact is we need to build for the next generation as well as ensuring we maintain a team to compete for a tilt over the next 2 or 3 years. Plus we have to manage the necessary list changes that are mandated by the AFL.
So, where are our gaps?
Defence: we were tested big time this year with Rance going down but we managed to cover him and then plus some. In Balta, Garthwaite and Miller we have back up. We need to keep those two boys and, I think, even look at recruiting a KPP U18 to slot in longer term. De Koning will be perfect here
Attack: Jack went down and we managed but not without the timely recruitment of Lynch. Still, with Lynch's recent injury history and Jack getting older and more injury prone, we need multiple back up layers here. Cal Moore missed most of the year and we had Chol and Balta there at different times. I would like to see us keep Moore.
Rucks: Nankervis, Soldo, CCJ and Chol/Balta as back up. Looks deep to me as well as young. But young rucks take time. I would try developing an 18yo ruck on the rookie list if one was available
Inside Mids: Cotchin, Prestia, Dusty, Ross, RCD, Pickett and throw in Shed, Stack, Lambert and Higgins who can play multiple roles. I think we are ok in this area but need to retain all those players
Outside runners / small backs/ forwards: our game relies on these guys. We lose Bellis and there is talk about Menadue, Butler and McIntosh. We have Houli coming to the end but have Naish and Turner who look like capable replacements. There is no doubt that if we lose Menadue and/or McIntosh, we need some replacements in this area. We probably do in any event.
So, to summarise, I think a KPP defender and outside runners are our focus areas for this upcoming recruitment period. Depending on whether we let Moore go, we may also need a junior KPP forward.
So, where are our gaps?
Defence: we were tested big time this year with Rance going down but we managed to cover him and then plus some. In Balta, Garthwaite and Miller we have back up. We need to keep those two boys and, I think, even look at recruiting a KPP U18 to slot in longer term. De Koning will be perfect here
Attack: Jack went down and we managed but not without the timely recruitment of Lynch. Still, with Lynch's recent injury history and Jack getting older and more injury prone, we need multiple back up layers here. Cal Moore missed most of the year and we had Chol and Balta there at different times. I would like to see us keep Moore.
Rucks: Nankervis, Soldo, CCJ and Chol/Balta as back up. Looks deep to me as well as young. But young rucks take time. I would try developing an 18yo ruck on the rookie list if one was available
Inside Mids: Cotchin, Prestia, Dusty, Ross, RCD, Pickett and throw in Shed, Stack, Lambert and Higgins who can play multiple roles. I think we are ok in this area but need to retain all those players
Outside runners / small backs/ forwards: our game relies on these guys. We lose Bellis and there is talk about Menadue, Butler and McIntosh. We have Houli coming to the end but have Naish and Turner who look like capable replacements. There is no doubt that if we lose Menadue and/or McIntosh, we need some replacements in this area. We probably do in any event.
So, to summarise, I think a KPP defender and outside runners are our focus areas for this upcoming recruitment period. Depending on whether we let Moore go, we may also need a junior KPP forward.
