In a nutshell
A disaster. The Tigers' season of promise was effectively over at 1-6, and a patch of mid-season form only papered over the cracks. Coach speculation, board murmurings and a full-scale review became hot topics.
What we said in the pre-season
We could not have got this more wrong, tipping Richmond to finally make the leap from making up the numbers in September to finishing in the top four. Dustin Martin was tipped to win the Brownlow Medal, and he's put himself in the mix. 'Best 22' players in the pre-season Jacob Townsend, Ivan Maric, Ben Lennon and Chris Yarran have all struggled for different reasons.
What worked
Once finals were off the agenda and the future became the Tigers' priority, some good things happened. They found an emerging star in Daniel Rioli, cemented rookie Jayden Short into a half-back role and Shaun Hampson took on the No.1 ruck role from Ivan Maric, performing well.
What failed
The Tigers are no closer than they were 12 months ago to having a recognisable game style or a trademark to the way they play. They would attack with chains of handball and get into trouble, then revert to a slow chip-kicking style that frustrated their forwards and rarely held up given a lack of foot skills. Trade addition Jacob Townsend played four AFL games and spent the rest of the season in the VFL.
Overall rating
D-. The players and the coaches failed to deliver in a season that was set up for a top-four assault.
The coach
Another tough year in what has been a seven-year tenure full of challenges. Hardwick put his faith in youth more than he was recognised for, sacrificing results in favour of development in the second half of the season. However, he failed to inspire competitive efforts against GWS and the Sydney Swans late in the season. He is contracted until the end of 2018 and his off-field team will experience a lot of turnover as a result of this year.
The leaders
Trent Cotchin's leadership was questioned through 2016 and a supportive message from his wife on social media became a front-page news story as he took the brunt of the criticism in a 1-6 start. Two zero-tackle games – against Collingwood and GWS – were low points, but otherwise he burrowed in and led by example in a difficult year. Alex Rance was elevated into the leadership group and was outstanding in the role. He should be vice-captain in 2017.
MVP
Alex Rance: The best key defender in the game was like a dam wall in 2016, holding an under-pressure defence together week after week. There's no telling how bad the season could have been for Richmond without him. Dustin Martin was a star, but Rance was a mountain.
It hardly bears to ponder what might have been without Alex Rance. Picture: AFL Photos
Surprise packet
Jayden Short: Summoned from the rookie list early in the season, the small forward was in and out of the team before moving into a half-back role and cementing his spot from round 12 on. He was the rebounding defender the Tigers needed as injuries in that position mounted.
Get excited
Daniel Rioli: All the signs are there that the small forward from football royalty will continue his family's rich tradition. His season will be remembered for a breathtaking run down the wing in round eight to kick his first career goal at the MCG.
Disappointment
Reece Conca: For the fourth straight season, injury kept Conca from developing in the way the Tigers have long expected. Played just six AFL games and five in the VFL. Pick No.6 in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft, he needs to solve his hamstring issues or his career will slip away.
Best win
Round eight: Richmond 14.17 (101) def Sydney Swans 15.10 (100) @ MCG
With their backs to the wall after six straight losses, the Tigers came out fighting and Sam Lloyd kicked the match-winner after the siren, sparking wild celebrations.
WATCH: Tigers sink the Swans at the death
Low point
The Tigers kicked their lowest score – 3.5 (23) – in 55 years against GWS and lost by 88 points in round 19. Fan discontent reached fever pitch and the board came under significant pressure, with a rebel group agitating for change.
A dejected Nick Vlastuin walks off after the Tigers' big loss to GWS. Picture: AFL Photos
The big questions
Does Damien Hardwick survive the off-season after the team regressed even further in the final round of the season?
What key off-field appointments can the Tigers make at the conclusion of their wide-ranging review to get the club back on track?
Do the Tigers recruit to make finals in 2017 or bite the bullet and admit their problems need a longer-term fix?
Season in a song
It's A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll) – AC/DC
What we say: It'll take a mighty effort and at least two years to get this back open.
Who's done?
Retirements: Troy Chaplin, Reece McKenzie
Delistings: TBA
Unsigned free agents: Ty Vickery
How should they approach trade and draft period?
Trade down pick No.6 to get a lower first-round selection to swap for Dion Prestia and an upgrade elsewhere. At the draft, make good kicks and a young ruckman the focus.
Early call for 2017
Identify a game style, and a trademark and live it. Finals should be seen as a bonus as a new generation starts to make the team its own.
