I usually hate that lull on Christmas afternoon when conversation inevitably turns to football and some smart@#*e relative talks their team up for the coming AFL season. My only contribution to this conversation typically is to reflect on how effective duffel coats were in keeping me warm during the 1980s.
However this year will be different.
For the first time since we won our 10th game of the 1995 season I feel like we have more strengths than weaknesses. The key points that are different to our usual lists are that:
We have 2 rookies (Howat, King) who have the potential to make an impact at AFL level should injuries hit during the season.
We have a midfield that offers hope and promise (Tuck, Johnson, Deledio, Polo, Foley) not to mention COUGHLAN (inj) and Tambling (go you big red fire engine). I actually want to watch these guys try to compete with the best midfields in the competition.
For the first time we have quality injured players coming back (Coughlan, Newman, Thursfield) who we don't need to rush (although each is important - especially COGS)
There is enough upside potential in our list that we don't need to hope for or expect too much from our first year draftees.
Tivendale will need to fight for his spot...
We have an obvious lack of depth in the ruck yet did not chase likely failures Bryan or Cloke in the draft!!!
If we play both Krakouer and Kingsley (yes other teams supporters may scoff) teams will need to think carefully about how to match up on each as they are different players. They also take pressure off the development of Cleve and Patto.
I actually feel CONFIDENT that Richo will get to play finals (although not necessarily this year).
Does anyone have any other positive comments about the Richmond team of 2007 that I can use to stick it up non Tiger supprters on my Christmas afternoon?
However this year will be different.
For the first time since we won our 10th game of the 1995 season I feel like we have more strengths than weaknesses. The key points that are different to our usual lists are that:
We have 2 rookies (Howat, King) who have the potential to make an impact at AFL level should injuries hit during the season.
We have a midfield that offers hope and promise (Tuck, Johnson, Deledio, Polo, Foley) not to mention COUGHLAN (inj) and Tambling (go you big red fire engine). I actually want to watch these guys try to compete with the best midfields in the competition.
For the first time we have quality injured players coming back (Coughlan, Newman, Thursfield) who we don't need to rush (although each is important - especially COGS)
There is enough upside potential in our list that we don't need to hope for or expect too much from our first year draftees.
Tivendale will need to fight for his spot...
We have an obvious lack of depth in the ruck yet did not chase likely failures Bryan or Cloke in the draft!!!
If we play both Krakouer and Kingsley (yes other teams supporters may scoff) teams will need to think carefully about how to match up on each as they are different players. They also take pressure off the development of Cleve and Patto.
I actually feel CONFIDENT that Richo will get to play finals (although not necessarily this year).
Does anyone have any other positive comments about the Richmond team of 2007 that I can use to stick it up non Tiger supprters on my Christmas afternoon?
