The new recruits [Merged]

[Rosy]

I don't understand the doom and gloom by some posters on here since the season ended. Surely it's reasonable, at this stage, to expect Richmond to improve next season and the negativity is just the storm before the calm. People must realise we're at the dawning of a new era and the expectation has made us a bit impatient.

We've got several top 22 players who will virtually be new recruits. Browny, Cogs and Newmo were all massive losses and should be available for plenty of games next season. That's a mass of experience but hardness and drive. Will mightn't slot in as quickly but he'll be in the wings ready to bolster our backline.

We've got Graham Polak who's only 22 but will hopefully address an area we've shown a real deficiency in. It's good to get a kid who'll be a kpp from the start.

Joel has done admirably down back but hopefully Graham's presence will release him to give us far more drive up the ground.

So much to be excited about, and that's before our new kids are drafted. 8)

 

[TIGEREXTRA]

Re: The new recruits

I think we have to make the eight next season. The injury gods will look look after us next season and with the next step to be taken by many young players esp the 2004 draftee's then will will be good next year.

 

[LeeToRainesToRoach]

Re: The new recruits

I think next year will be one of consolidation and feel we'll probably miss the finals, but am not gloomy about the future. The loss of experience of Stafford, Kellaway and Chaffey will hurt unless their replacements show Raines-like improvement. Coughlan, Newman and Thursfield will have to be carried to a certain extent before regaining their best. This year we won our close games and did as well as we possibly could have, IMO.

We have traded fairly well over the years but our drafting hasn't been up to scratch. Crucial to get the next couple of drafts right, otherwise we'll slide back down when Richo, Bowden, Brown etc. retire.

I used to be more optimistic when we had poorer lists, e.g. late 80s/early 90s, but experience has taught me to hope for the best but not expect too much. Am certainly hoping we can sneak a spot in the 8 which is attainable if the cards fall our way.

 

[Rosy]

Re: The new recruits

The loss of experience of Stafford, Kellaway and Chaffey will hurt unless their replacements show Raines-like improvement.

I reckon Andy will be a massive loss but I don't think Staff and Chaff were at their best last season. Hopefully Knoble can get himself fit to do at least as much as Staff did.

It raises another point though. Chaff only managed a handful of games and we used Johnno as our tagger. I'd love to see Kane freed up more. As good as he is as a tagger I feel he's a bit wasted in that role.

Who do we have who could step up to be our main tagger?

 

[skybeau]

Re: The new recruits

Who do we have who could step up to be our main tagger?

Tom Roach...oh wait... (I'm kidding, ffs...KIDDING...don't look at me like that...)

Dean Polo?

To be honest, we haven't got another decent tagger. Johnno's just going to have to stick with it, despite the limitation to his play.

 

[Tigers of Old]

Re: The new recruits

Who do we have who could step up to be our main tagger?

Tom Roach...oh wait... (I'm kidding, ffs...KIDDING...don't look at me like that...)

Dean Polo?

To be honest, we haven't got another decent tagger. Johnno's just going to have to stick with it, despite the limitation to his play.

I'd really like to see Hartigan take on a tagging role this year.

 

[Phar Ace]

Re: The new recruits

Who do we have who could step up to be our main tagger?

Tom Roach...oh wait...  (I'm kidding, ffs...KIDDING...don't look at me like that...)

Dean Polo?

To be honest, we haven't got another decent tagger.  Johnno's just going to have to stick with it, despite the limitation to his play.

I'd really like to see Hartigan take on a tagging role this year.

Was the first name that came to mind too ToO (tutu). Will he have the motor? Has some grunt to be body on body, does he have the concerntration as well? I think Polo has all this (yes GPB - you were right - again already ;D!) I think Matty White will be outstanding in this role with another season under his belt - has all the trick and the concerntration from what I've observed.

 

[Tigers of Old]

Re: The new recruits

Who do we have who could step up to be our main tagger?

Tom Roach...oh wait... (I'm kidding, ffs...KIDDING...don't look at me like that...)

Dean Polo?

To be honest, we haven't got another decent tagger. Johnno's just going to have to stick with it, despite the limitation to his play.

I'd really like to see Hartigan take on a tagging role this year.

Was the first name that came to mind too ToO (tutu). Will he have the motor? Has some grunt to be body on body, does he have the concerntration as well? I think Polo has all this (yes GPB - you were right - again already ;D!) I think Matty White will be outstanding in this role with another season under his belt - has all the trick and the concerntration from what I've observed.

Yeah pharace, Whitey and Polo also are the obvious names that also come up but I just think Harts after being in the system for longer, has the body shape to muscle up to the elite onballers in the comp.
He's also go a bit of niggle about him.
Also he has an opportunity to really step into the void left by Chaffey.
You are right about questions over his endurance but I guess we'll see in time.

I'm a big fan of Harts and I hope he makes it.

There's a pic of him here on the RFC website and he's built like a tank! Looks like Newmo's been hitting the weights too.

http://richmondfc.com.au/cp2/c2/webi/article/306385ax.jpg

 

[poppa x]

Re: The new recruits

Tivva could be our 2nd tagger.  Did the job last year on Goodwin and a few others.


Now I'll go get a bex, a cuppa and have a lie down while the TivvaDud enthusiasts vent their spleen.

 

[Phar Ace]

Re: The new recruits

Great pick ToO. Love Hart's doin what we called the photo-pump-up. Still, his shoulders are about as wide as the Snakeman's - hope he hasn't lost any pace becuase of the roids

 

[Tigers of Old]

Re: The new recruits

Great pick ToO. Love Hart's doin what we called the photo-pump-up. Still, his shoulders are about as wide as the Snakeman's - hope he hasn't lost any pace becuase of the roids

LOL yeah the ol' fist behind the bicep routine.
Still have a look at his neck, it's as thick as his head. :hihi

 

[Phar Ace]

Re: The new recruits

Great pick ToO.  Love Hart's doin what we called the photo-pump-up.  Still, his shoulders are about as wide as the Snakeman's - hope he hasn't lost any pace becuase of the roids

LOL yeah the ol' fist behind the bicep routine.
Still have a look at his neck, it's as thick as his head. :hihi

Yeah, thick as - Bet it's not from an expansion of the brain matter : (Sorry Harts - but that's what the boys'd be saying anyway. )

 

[JPM]

Re: The new recruits

Could Jacko play a role as a tagger?

And if not, then what will his role be next year?

(Here come the Coburg cracks!)

 

[Phar Ace]

Re: The new recruits

Could Jacko play a role as a tagger?

And if not, then what will his role be next year?

(Here come the Coburg cracks!)

Would still expect him to be groomed as a fwd, as was occuring previously.

 

[Harro12]

Re: The new recruits

The loss of experience of Stafford, Kellaway and Chaffey will hurt unless their replacements show Raines-like improvement.

I reckon Andy will be a massive loss but I don't think Staff and Chaff were at their best last season.  Hopefully Knoble can get himself fit to do at least as much as Staff did. 

It raises another point though.  Chaff only managed a handful of games and we used Johnno as our tagger.  I'd love to see Kane freed up more.  As good as he is as a tagger I feel he's a bit wasted in that role.

Who do we have who could step up to be our main tagger?

Love your optimism and agree with you about Newman, Browny and Cogs ( A good mixture of class and steel). However, I don't feel that Chubba (as courageous as he has been) will be a Massive Loss). Sorry, Rosy but I think you have the eye patch on because of your love of the Kellaways (fair enough too) but I think Chubba leaving will be the least of our worries. How the midfield gel together is a key. As for the tagger. I actually think Johnno is best placed for that role. (not as much emphasis on his disposal which is sometimes quite poor). Did do a sterling job last year though in that role.

I agree though Rosy, plenty of reasons to be optimistic. The 14 players (as opposed) to only 4 who beat the tan track time last year is something not to be underestimated either.

 

[skiptomystu]

Re: The new recruits

Kellaway will be a loss I reckon, not a HUGE loss, but a loss nonetheless. Actually, we won't know if Kellaway is a loss until we see if Polak can cover for Kellaway. A bit worrying that the pre-season training reports haven't been what you would call 'glowing' of Polak. Brown will be a huge recruit for us, and I have no doubts that he can kick 50 plus goals next if he remains fit and healthy. Cogs, Newy and Thursfield however will take time, and I am not expecting anything from them in '07.

 

[Harro12]

Re: The new recruits

I am expecting plenty from Cogs personally. that guy has a huge heart and he will be attacking training as if his life depends on it. Mark my words (pardon the pun) ;D

 

[skiptomystu]

Our forgotten 'new-recruit'

Browny! Not a lot has been said of him, but he is one of most important players. I think alot of Tigers supporters have forgotten about how much this guy adds to the team. Nothing much has been said about him in the papers, and he is quietly creeping up on the 2007 season. I have no doubt in my mind Browny is going to give opposition teams major headaches next year. Can't wait till he is back to his best and kicking 4 and 5 goals a game. ;D

 

[checkside]

Re: Our forgotten 'new-recruit'

I thought of Browny as soon as i read the title.