All the talk seems to be about the rebuild at Punt Road, and how the 2024 AFL Draft is set to fast-track the process for the Tigers.
It makes sense – a whole heap of young players coming into the club at the same time, hungry to make an impact. And they’ll likely all get every opportunity to do so, with Richmond facing a situation where they have holes all over their list, and nowhere near enough talent to fill them.
At the time of writing, the Tigers hold picks 1, 6, 10, 11, 18, 20, 23, and 24 in what is being labelled a deep draft. It is the type of situation that could see the Tigers strike it rich, but even the most optimistic Richmond supporter would acknowledge that these kids are going to take a few years to come good and have a serious impact. Oh, you’ll see signs, and even good games from some of them here and there, but in terms of a consistent performance ove the course of a season, supporters of the yellow and black will have to be very patient.
However, that doesn’t man there are not things to look forward to heading into the 2025 season. No, quite the opposite, actually.
Back in the days before he was a public enemy, WWE honcho, Vince McMahon, used to sell wrestlers on the idea of opportunity. The competition may have been able to guarantee more money, but he would always get the talent through the door based on the fact that if they were good enough, and if they were committed, he would provide them the opportunity to make more. It put the emphasis back on the talent – are you good enough? Do you legitimately think you can make it to the top?
I’ve been reading a little bit about the recently-deceased wrestler, Sid Eudy, who people know better as one of three personas – Sid Vicious, Sid Justice, or Sycho Sid. At a time when he was thinking of jumping to the WWE, his current employer, WCW, offered him a guaranteed contract in the vicinity of $US750K per year. This was in 1991, so we’re talking big money.
And yet, with that significant carrot dangled in front of him, Sid opted to take the WWE deal, because he believed in himself and thought he was capable of making more.
Actually, it might not be the best comparison to make, as Sid tore a bicep and despite working the main event of Wrestlemania 8, was gone in less than 12 months.
Still, McMahon provided the opportunity.
Right now at the Richmond Football Club, the place has opportunity aplenty.
Daniel Rioli was their number one rebounding defender – the position is now vacant.
Shai Bolton was their only real mid/forward option. Another vacancy.
Liam Baker played the nuggety half-back who would venture into the guts. He’s gone.
And Jack Graham would provide a bit of muscle in the middle and out wide. He’s no longer there, either.
Throw in the retirements of Dustin Martin, Dylan Grimes, and Marlion Pickett, and you suddenly have a playing list that resembles a block of swiss cheese… and not just because of the odour. How do the Tigers fill these holes? Who steps up and demands to be taken seriously? And which players are best placed to have a career-best season and make a statement that they will be in the mix when Richmond are ready to contend again?
Before we get into it, I should specify that this is not a fluff piece for the Tigers. There is a very good chance we have a look at the list as it stands and come to the conclusion that they’re going to have to live with a clear deficiency or downgrade for at least 12 months.
So be it.
After that long-ass intro, time to get down to nuts and bolts.
Oh, what the hell? A Mongrel paywall? Yep, I believe my work is worth twenty cents per day. If you don’t, that’s fine. Standalone articles, off-season news, into season previews and pre-season game reviews, before we hit the 2024 season are all part of Mongrel Membership. You’re welcome to join or rejoin for those who jumped off after the season ended and now think it wasn’t such a great idea.
